As we start a new year, many families are likely setting resolutions. New year resolutions are great for yourself and for the entire family. Those resolutions may include ways to kick off the new year in a healthy way like eating healthier, exercising more, or being more active as a family unit. Other family resolutions may include spending more time with family and friends.
The larger a family is, the more challenging it may be to set or keep the new year’s goals. Going into the new year with the right intention is the first step. Setting smaller goals and family milestones will help ensure that the goals and milestones are met. For example, instead of saying you want your family to be more active, commit to a healthy activity for 30 minutes every Sunday. Additionally, set goals after everyone in the family has had a chance to weigh in on them and provide input for achieving them. Getting everyone involved in creating the family resolutions will help increase the likelihood that the goals will be met.
If you’re looking for some healthy living new year’s resolutions for the whole family, I list a few below.
4 Healthy Living Goals for Your Family in the New Year
- Be more active as a family. Many parents want to encourage their children to live healthy, active lifestyles, but it may be easier said than done. Studies show that families that are active together are more likely to live a healthier lifestyle all year-round. Plan a weekly fitness activity. Whether that’s a family walk around the neighborhood, a basketball game of H-O-R-S-E at the park, or a bike ride on the beach, you’ll not only spend more time together, but you’ll get some fitness in too!
- Get health insurance. Some families are entering the new year without a family health or dental insurance plan. If you’re currently looking for affordable health and dental options for your children, I recommend looking into Florida KidCare. Florida KidCare is Florida’s high quality, low-cost health insurance for children from birth through the end of age 18. Already, approximately 2.4 million children in Florida are covered by Florida KidCare to get the health and dental coverage they need. Families that qualify for Florida KidCare receive free or discounted health insurance coverage through Florida KidCare. Children may be eligible for Florida KidCare even if one or both parents are working and immigration status will never be asked. Medical coverage may include $5.00 office co-pays for minor illness and accident care and no co-pays for well visits. Co-pays for corrective lenses and frames visits can be $10.00 per visit. Open enrollment is all year long so the time to apply is always right now. And it’s free! Visit IamKidCare.org to begin the application process or to learn more.
- Eat healthier. Sometimes it’s not what you’re eating but what you’re not eating. And eating healthy doesn’t have to mean eating boring foods. Add fruits and veggies to your dishes that your family already loves. For example, chopped, fresh veggies to your homemade pizza offers the same foods they love but also adds more veggies. Or add veggies into your pasta or pasta sauce. Make fruit salads or snacks and place them in front of your children while they are coloring or after coming home from a bike ride. When my children were young, I didn’t ask if they wanted a fruit salad, I just placed one in front of them and they would start nibbling away.
- Set healthy examples for your children. It’s easy to say you want the children to be more active or eat healthier. And honestly, you can’t expect your children to do either if you don’t. Set a good example by opting for a side salad instead of the fries if you order a burger on cheat night. Or take a walk after work or before church. Your children will notice the changes and will buy into them too.
What are your new year’s resolutions or goals for 2018?
Thank you to Florida KidCare for sponsoring today’s blog post. All opinions are my own.
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