Start the new year by setting resolutions you can accomplish as a family. With the busy holiday season behind us, take time to think of new ways your family can improve their lives and enjoy this year even more than last.

Family Resolutions

Get Up and Go!

Regular physical activity helps keep children healthy and gets them off the couch! One great option, especially during the cold winter months, is an interactive gaming system like V.Smile Motion. V.Smile Motion gets your kids moving and entertains them for hours with fun, motion-activated play. In addition to getting them in motion, V.Smile Motion also helps teach your kids math, reading and spelling (so you get two resolutions in one!).

Study Hour

Sometimes homework takes a back seat to the various activities your family participates in. However, taking an active role in your children’s education will help teach them the importance of learning. Set aside at least a half an hour each school day to work on homework together. Create a homework chart on the refrigerator to reward your kids with stickers on jobs well done.

Expand Your Horizons

Have you ever wanted to try something new, but have always been too busy? Make 2009 the year for your entire family to try a new hobby together. For instance, take a family dance lesson, or pick up an art easel and learn how to paint. Discover what everyone has always wanted to do and motivate each other to pursue a family hobby together. The sense of accomplishment you feel when reaching your goal together will be invaluable!

Pay it Forward

A selfless new year’s resolution involves taking time out of your day to volunteer, and teaching your kids the value of helping others. Whether you spend time helping out at a food pantry, the local library, or donating gently used clothes and toys, make this new year about the community, as well.

Bedtime Stories

Resolve to read with your children every night before they go to bed, build their skills and increase quality time together. Try Create-A-Story, which helps kids build their own story with their favorite characters, encouraging reading comprehension and word identification.

Healthier Habits

Improve your kids’ after-school snacks by replacing chips and sweets with diced apples and yogurt. Make a goal of trying new fruits or vegetables every month—it is a lot more fun to eat healthy when your foods have fun names like guava or jicama.