Family New Year’s Resolutions

With the New Year come the resolutions. If, like the majority of the human race, getting fit, giving up alcohol and eating less chocolate all fall into your top five things to do, then you’ll also be thinking that 2011 is going to be a tough year.But rather than concentrating on your own pledges, why not think about your family and ways to enjoy each other’s company? We have put together a few pointers that may help get your ideas flowing.

Do family activities together
Finding time for all the family to get together can be hard. Parents and kids have such busy lives, there’s always something that seems to take priority. But spending time together is important. There are plenty of things you can do and they don’t mean you have to empty the piggy bank to do them either. Try to arrange family days out like visits to museums, theatres, walks in the park, camping or bike rides. For rainy days at home try a spot of cooking or release your creative side with some arts and crafts. Dust off the board games and have a family night in or watch a film together. There will probably be bickering along the way, but kids will be kids and its normal. Stick at it and enjoy the ups... and even the downs.

Click here to view our January list of things to do.

Spend time with your partner
Put some time aside for you and your partner. Book a romantic weekend break, have lunch together or snuggle up on the sofa – just try not to talk about the children.

The healthy lunchbox
Feeding children can be hard at the best of times so the thought of introducing healthy foods may sound like a terrifying prospect. One area to focus on and a good starting point is the school lunchbox. Replace the usual sweets, sugary snacks and fizzy drinks with healthier options. Try home-made tortilla wraps/ pitta pockets/pasta, yogurts, fruit and a carton of juice.

It might take a little more time to plan, but with your children’s health in question, it’s got to be worth it.

‘Healthy Lunchboxes for Kids’ by Amanda Grant
£10.99
www.waterstones.com

Superman DC Comics tin lunch box
£8.99
www.kidsconfidential.com

Charlie and Lola lunch bag
£8.99
www.mothercare.com

Eat together as a family
Family experts stress the importance of families eating their evening meal together. It’s a chance to talk about the day’s events and generally catch up. Whether it’s good or bad news, a healthy debate or a frivolous tale, it’s a great way to keep up to date with each other’s lives and (more importantly) it’s fun.

Little Monsters tableware set
£11.50
www.ziggiziggi.com

Complete Family Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel
£8.17
www.amazon.co.uk

Get organised
Try and plan out the week ahead. Book the after school clubs, the weekend dance classes and the numerous children’s parties into a diary or calendar.

Organised Mum Family Home Planner 2011
£11
www.johnlewis.com

Read with the kids
Reading to your child is a great way to spend ‘one on one’ time together. It opens the door to new experiences, imagination, language and sounds. Research has shown that pre-school children who are exposed to a lot of language through books and conversation tend to do better at school. You can use it as an opportunity to talk about many topics that perhaps wouldn’t normally come up in conversation. It’s great to calm kids at bedtime and a wonderful way to bond.

For inspiration click here and read our January Kids Book Club reviewed by Chorlton Bookshop.

Children’s Tidy Books Bookshelf
£105
www.kidsrooms.co.uk

Have some ‘me time’
Make time for yourself. Whether it’s a long hot bath with scented candles, time alone with a good book or a pamper session, it’s good to have a break and should be seen as a necessity rather than a luxury.

For a pampering treat try the Malmasion’s Le Petit Spa. Click here to see the latest offers.

Rituals Jasmine Dream Relaxing Scented Candle
£9.73
www.johnlewis.com