Here are a few ways to make setting family goals a fun activity for everyone:

Create a family creed – and live it. If you could describe your family values in just a few words or phrases, what would they be? How will you live up to those values throughout the year? Ask your children for input and discuss their suggestions. Once everyone has agreed, put the family creed on a poster and hang it up so it will be remembered and referred back to throughout the year. Not sure where to start? Use this format:  “The Jones family is about [x], [y] and [z], and we’ll do that by [a], [b] and [c].”

Make vision boards together. Family resolutions also can include individual goals. Gather a few old magazines and have each member of the family create a vision board: the places they want to go, the things they want to see and the new skills they want to learn in 2016. Discuss everyone’s individual choices and talk about ways to make these visions into a reality. This exercise help kids and teens dream and express their individuality, and it also promotes communication and shows you what’s important to them. Hang up the finished vision boards and track your progress throughout the year.

Start (and stick with) family meetings. How often do you discuss what’s going on in your children’s lives?  Family meetings give you and your kids a chance to connect as a family and create better communication habits. Establish a time and a place – like Sunday in the living room after dinner. Let your kids help build the agenda – ask them what they’d like to discuss. Creating a space and time for family communication helps encourage your kids to talk openly about things. Consider taking meeting notes or keeping the agendas – it’ll be fun to look back on after the kids have grown up!

For more tips on connecting with your kids in 2016 and beyond, visit the Connecting section of our website.