10 Goals to Set With Your Kids or Grandkids
Copyright 2011 - Kris Heeter, Ph.D.
Setting goals and making resolutions for change doesn't have to happen just once a year when the New Year rolls around. If you are looking create some family fun or if you just need get out of a rut, why not sit down with your family and create some family resolutions or goals?
You can create a list for the year or set a new goal or resolution each month. Be sure to get the kids involved in the planning and goal setting process. This is a great group activity that will not only teach your kids or grandchildren how to set goals but also how to work towards them.
1) Volunteer as a family at a soup kitchen
Volunteering at a soup or community food kitchen is often popular during the holiday season, but these community based groups operate year-long and odds are they will not turn away help any time of the year.
This is a great opportunity, as a family, to give back to your community with your time and to touch the lives of others.
2. "Adopt" a senior or veteran
There are countless elderly seniors and veterans that do not have family living close by. It could be someone in your neighborhood or church.
Consider inviting them to dinner one or two nights a month or help them with errands.
Some of my fondest memories as a child are visiting and having dinner with my senior neighbors who lived next door. Over the years, they became like grandparents to me and my siblings.
3. Go hiking or visit a park once a month
City and state parks are wonderful places for families to go and spend a day together. Getting out and enjoying nature does wonders for the body and soul. State parks often offer a variety of guided hikes and nature centers that are wonderful educational resources.
4. Limit fast food to once a week or less
If getting healthy or staying healthy is a family goal, work toward limiting the number of times you and your family eats fast food each month.
Swinging through the drive through on the way to a ball game is not the best way for kids to fuel up before playing their favorite sport.
While I was growing up, a trip to McDonald's was a treat - we only got to go on rare occasions. To this day, I'm very thankful that fast food wasn't the every day "norm".
5. Start a nightly family gratitude journal
End the day on a positive note!
Sit down with your kids and keep a journal - write down something good that happened each day. Looking at the positive rather than the negative will do wonders for a good night's sleep!
This is also a great way to keep track of the memories and activities you create with your children and grandchildren!
6. Start an indoor or outdoor garden
An indoor garden can be as simple potted herbs or growing sprouts for salads.
An outdoor garden can as simple as some potted tomato plants and potted herbs. Or if you have the space, something a bit larger on a small piece of land in your yard.
Growing fresh herbs and veggies is not only healthy but it teaches the value of quality food and gardening at a young age!
7. Take a monthly or bimonthly trip to the library
Despite the popularity of reading online or digitally through a Kindle or Nook, nothing beats an afternoon at the library, perusing through the stacks to find a good book.
If you have young kids or grandkids, most libraries in the U.S. offer weekly story time.
8. Start a family reading challenge
Try setting a family goal of reading a certain number of books a year.
Often times schools or libraries will have summer reading challenges - why not make it a family event?
You can make this super fun for the kids by having them create a family chart and using stickers to count of the number of books each family member has read.
9. Schedule regular family game nights
Rather than sitting in front of the TV watching a movie, try a family game night. Board games and card games can be tons of fun for all ages.
10. Make cards for the homebound or homeless
The holidays can be a very lonely time for many. Why not sit down as a family and make some Christmas, birthday, or Valentine's Day cards for a group in your community that is either homeless, shut in, or in a nursing care facility?
Christmas cards could be delivered along with caroling, or deliver birthday cards as a singing telegram for someone that is home bound.
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10 Gifts That Keep On Giving All Year Long
No matter what time of year it may be, if you are looking for gift, consider these 10 socially conscience gift giving ideas. If your family "adopts" a senior, these can be great, inexpensive gifts to give to brighten their day.
No matter what time of year - you can start now!
Even if it's not the new year, making family resolutions and goals can be started at anytime. Be creative and have some fun with it.
The ten listed above are just some ideas to get you and your family started!
Enjoy the quality time together!
