Spend 1 on 1 time with each child: 8 ways to be intentional with the time YOU have with family
Did you know that only about 8% of New Year’s resolutions are actually followed through?
Shocking, right? This is because we tend to make lavish goals that seem farfetched, like exercising 30 hours a week while balancing 2 kids’ schedules or going to visit every state in Australia this year. These resolutions tend to get thrown to the side to make room for other, every day priorities, like going to the supermarket, or spending that holiday money on your child’s traveling football team.
While we tend to make unobtainable resolutions for the New Year, many people still feel like the New Year is a fresh start, whether or not we make resolutions. Researchers call this feeling the “fresh start effect”. They have found that we tend to motivate ourselves into good habits by using a new beginning (like the start of the week, month, year, season, etc.) as a marker to put past behaviour behind us and focus on being better. It brings opportunity to reflect on the previous year and anticipate what you want the New Year to look like.
Many people make resolutions around their own lifestyle changes that will improve their quality of life. Try focusing on what motivations 2022 will bring for you instead of an extravagant resolution. Keep in mind these motivations don’t have to be just for you. Parents and families can benefit from new beginnings.
For 2022, we have come up with 8 ways to be intentional with the time you have to spend with family. Try using these motivations in your own household.
1. Spend 1:1 time – If you have more than one child how can you make them feel special and loved? Spend time with them individually! Kids crave one-on-one time with their parents. It makes them feel special, you get to connect and catch up with that child, and it can strengthen your bond. Make sure both parents take turns. Some examples: have one child run errands with you, take a walk around your neighbourhood, do your chores/projects together, play a favorite game with them, use your time in the car driving your child to activities.
By setting intentions it takes pressure off you and your family to accomplish those unreasonable resolutions. Use this year as an opportunity to create a fresh start. Be intentional with your family.
Remember that these motivations aren’t all or nothing. Some days you will succeed in some areas and lack in others, and that’s okay. The purpose of setting intentions is to make your goals obtainable for you and your family.
References
Hengchen Dai, Katherine L. Milkman, Jason Riis (2014) The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior. Management Science.
Tune in next week for #2 in the 8 ways to be intentional with the time you have to spend with family.
Marriage and Relationship Education is a learning opportunity, much like you would do in any other important life event. Check out the video for couples on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xyuUl-JnIhM.
Tune in next week for more discussion about relationships and mental health.
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Written by Shane Smith