“Mom?” my daughter said, rushing to my side. “Can we watch a movie?” I checked the clock on the wall. “It’s too late!” I said. “It’s bedtime.” She whined a bit but wandered off. A minute later, my son sat down and opened his school planner. “Whew,” he said. “No homework. I got worried.” Yikes. He hadn’t checked his assignments until now? Even though we had several months of the school year under our belts, we’d gotten into some bad habits. I decided then we really needed a fresh start.
With the new month starting, it’s a great time to reassess what’s working in your family and what you’d like to do better. If you need a fresh start too, let’s commit to these 5 things together.
1. To Schoolwork (and Helping Kids Through It)
“We’re almost done with the school year!” my daughter said, dancing around the kitchen. Um, no we’re not. We had months to go. But I could see how she felt. Getting past the holidays is a big milestone. It almost feels like it’s time to coast until summer—but it’s not.
Let’s recommit to checking our kids’ planners with them to make sure they stay on top of their assignments. Let’s also find time to work with our kids on their homework, especially in areas where they struggle. We may be tired from doing this for months already, but it’s going to give kids the message we’re in this together. Let’s make it a fresh start for our kids and for us.
2. To Renewing and Strengthening Relationships
“Mom, can I have my friends over?” my daughter asked. I’d hosted a few group get-togethers in the fall, but it had been a while. “Sure,” I said. “Let’s figure out a day.”
While it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of sports, recitals, and other family commitments, it’s important for kids to socialize. Face-to-face time with friends helps improve social skills, but also strengthens bonds. The same thing goes for us. When was the last time you met up with a friend? Biological anthropologist Michael Platt says, “Human beings are wired to connect.” At a time when some experts say 50% of people in the U.S. feel “acutely lonely,” it’s important to encourage our kids (and motivate ourselves) to connect with others.
3. To Restarting Healthy Habits
Last month, my kids got into the habit of coming home from school and plopping down in front of a screen. We’d started off the school year so strong! But at some point, things slipped. I’m resolving now to kick habits like these to the curb.
Yes, it’s the new year and a new exercise routine’s in order. I need a fresh start, for sure. But I want my kids to have a fresh start with fitness too. Maybe it’s time to look into a winter swim club or sports team at the community center. What about online habits (Do the kids play too many video games? Do you scroll social media more than you’d like?)? Too much time online can affect mental health. What other healthy habits could use a fresh start?
4. To Remembering and Sharing Blessings
“That felt good,” my daughter said from the back seat. We’d gone to the children’s hospital and sung in the parking lot to the sick patients. None of us had wanted to bundle up and head out into the cold, but we’re so glad we did.
Gratitude has its fair share of health benefits, so maybe it’s time to renew those family talks at dinner or before bedtime. Asking your child what she’s grateful for can make her feel happier and more optimistic. And sharing her (and your!) blessings with those less fortunate can also give her real joy. What about donating time or money to a cause your family supports? Or volunteering as a singer in the choir at church?
5. To Refocusing on Faith
At the beginning of the new calendar year, I like to start a new devotional. Reading a page or two per day doesn’t take long. Last year, I also bought a boy’s devotional for my son and a girl’s devotional for my daughter. I plan to continue with those again this year.
If you’ve fallen out of the habit of attending church, spending quiet time with the Lord, or praying as a family, now is a great time to begin again. A renewed focus on faith might be the fresh start you and your kids need most.
Do you need a fresh start this month? What would you add to this list?
