With a new year ahead, we get to refresh and restart the way we do things. Taking stock of ourselves and how we can improve is always the mindset for us when January rolls around. As the saying goes, "Today is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." I thought it was the perfect opportunity to include the kids on some ideas for our resolutions… After all, we can all use a little refining.

For some reason I find myself not wanting to let go of my old world of 2016. I relished in its soul stretching and great exhale the year has brought me. It's like I have one foot in one world and one foot gearing up for the new year ahead. It surely was a beautiful year even with the curves in the roads. We learned to persevere no matter the obstacle.

New Years is by far the perfect time to talk to the kids about realistic resolutions that they need to work towards. We started with our Roman, our ball full of energy who walks to the beat of his own drum and is often resemblant of a stallion kicking at his corral.

New Years Goals for Preschoolers

• Clean up toys
• Do not answer back your parents
• Use your manners everyday, all day
• Wash hands before meals and after the potty
• Clear the table of his dishes after a meal
• Always be nice to his friends and respect what he has and not be destructive
• Say Three Nice/Positive things a Day
• 

Kids 6-10 years old

• Read more, not just before bed, but in the middle of the day too
• Taking good care of your skin by putting on sunscreen every day before leaving the house.
• Putting tea tree oil in their hair before school to avoid unwanted critters
• Participate in a sport
• Always wear a helmet
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Talk to kids who are sitting alone at school
• Follow house hold rules
• Clean your room when told and pick up clothes on the floor
• Make bags of clothes and toys to give to those in need
  

In order to instill these resolutions, we like using a reward system for good choices and good behavior. We use the Erin Condren system for the older two and with our preschooler. You can read about the Erin Condren system here. With the mason jar for Roman, we put a coin or a shell in it for every good behavior. You can also take one away when your child is being defiant. I like to reward my preschooler when he gets to ten coins. We go to the dollar store and I let him pick out something. He will be five years old at the end of the month and is starting to understand instruction a lot better. I also like to give my kids a choice to give, whether it be making a donation or buying something to give to someone who was kind and to show their appreciation.

For Bobby and I, we had to dig deep as to what was important and for both of us and its our health. We are looking to not eating processed foods and sugars. That means more whole foods, with lots of fruits and vegetables. We also are going to be continue to be Vegan till lunch, which is illustrated in the new book Tiny and Full, by NY Times best selling author, Jorge Cruise.

For me, I want to slow down and really focus on what's important, and that's my family. Like most parents, I too take on way too much. I want to really space my calendar out this year. I also need to get back to the gym and kick-start losing my holiday weight. Now that my little fellow is one years old, I am ready to get back into a routine. I also want to be more consistent with the children and follow through with what I say. What are your family's resolutions? Comment below