Setting family goals
By Stephanie Bell
It's that time of year again when resolutions are made and a feeling of renewal is fresh in the air. That first week in January hits, and suddenly everyone gets motivated to do better, to be better, to achieve more.
What will be the most common hopes of the New Year? Weight loss, quitting bad habits, and financial stability usually top the list. We are all about paving the way to a healthy and harmonious path for the future.
Now that you have yourself in check, why not work on the family unit? After all, your happiness is probably in direct correlation with the success of your loves ones also.
Here are a few hints on how to make plans for your tomorrow and how to keep them.
1) Call a family meeting: If you want to get everybody together in one room to discuss your family plan, the best way to accomplish this task is usually by offering food. And if you really want everyone engaged in the discussion, buy pre-made personal pizza shells and toppings so that each family member has to design his or her very own pie for the meal. That way all members of your family have an opportunity to make choices and decisions about what they would like on a pizza, much as you would like to have them have those same choices and decisions when helping set the family goals.
Too busy? Order pizza, and let each member choose a topping.
2) Keep it simple: When setting goals for the future, always try to keep them realistic and attainable. Look to the future with optimism and confidence enough so that you are challenged but not so much that you are easily defeated within months or even days of planning your attack. Try for short-term goals first--for example, help mom cut coupons. With the money saved, attend the new Disney movie, including drinks and popcorn.
For a long-term goal you can include different groups attaining different things, such as: Mom and Dad will go on a date at least twice a month; kids get to help choose babysitter. Or John and Jane will get A's and B's all year. Try to keep them uplifting, and if it helps, offer rewards at each milestone that is reached. And don't forget words of love and encouragement are sometimes the very best award that can be given, so say it loud, say it proud, and say it often.
3) Work together: If mom and big brother each would like to lose some weight this year, why not make a family goal of getting more active? Maybe you can take a walk together three nights a week or ride bicycles around the neighborhood. If dad wants to save money for a rainy day, why not make the family goal of trying to eat out less or carpooling to soccer and dance and using those extra funds to put into a savings account
Since the entire family is working toward a common destination, it will be so much easier to stay on track.
Now that you have a plan, as Nike says, "Just do it!" A family that plays, plans, prays and stays on course together tends to be a happier, healthier family.
Good luck! I can see success in your future because you have chosen to make your home better today!