It’s that time of year again: Time to make New Year’s resolutions! But this year, skip the boring resolutions and instead make ones you’ll keep AND that will increase family bonding! Check out our five suggestions:

1. Spend more quality family time together

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day things that keep us busy: The errands, the school drop-offs, the taxi service (with mom and dad as the driver) to and from after-school activities and a million other things that pop up every week. That’s why it’s so important to make a conscious effort to spend some quality family time together. Schedule a regular movie night, have a monthly game night, enjoy family dinners, take walks after those dinners or go to Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School (you don’t even have to be a member!). Regardless of what you choose, involve the whole family in deciding what you’ll do to spend more time together (maybe some of these 10 Things to do with Your Family?)

2. Exercise (for fun AND health benefits!)

Children learn by example, so why not show them how to lead a healthy lifestyle? Exercising may or may not already be part of your daily routine and it may or may not seem like a chore to you, but it’s important to show your kids that exercise is important. It doesn’t have to be a chore and it can be easily incorporated into your routine – and exercising can be FUN! Whether you sign up for a family bowling league, take runs together in the morning or each have your own individual activity, make it a priority to have the whole family start (or keep) exercising! The kids can even take swim lessons!

3. Explore a new hobby

Bird watching and collecting stamps are definitely hobbies the entire family can enjoy, but if those aren’t interesting, keep looking. Scrapbooking? Putting together puzzles? Gardening? Let the sky be the limit when choosing an activity that will bring the entire family together. Oh, and did we mention there’s a high likelihood that it will also help curb all those “I’m bored” whines that happen during summer, or school breaks, or Sundays? Yep, a hobby will do that for you. Enjoy!

4. Learn a new skill

Have you always wanted to learn how to knit – even if only to make yourself a unique hat and scarf set? Now’s the time! Have each family member think of something they’d like to learn how to do (like speak a new language, build furniture, land a consistent free throw, swim – whatever anyone can think of) and get started! Check in monthly to make sure everyone is still on track. But you won’t need to do that, because you’ll all be so excited to share those new triumphs that you’ll have no problem keeping that resolution.

5. Help others

There are many ways to help others. You can volunteer your time for a cause close to your heart – such as a homeless shelter, domestic violence center or animal shelter (they always need dog walkers). In addition, you can also contribute money or items in need, like canned goods to a food pantry or baby items to a single mom program. You can donate your talents, too: Lend a hand building a house for someone in need, provide plumbing services for an elderly neighbor, or anything else your family members can provide. Think outside the box and you’ll find that you have plenty to offer. Bonus: It’ll make you feel good while bringing your family closer!

Goldfish Swim School

These 5 New Year’s Resolutions for your Entire Family are sure to help you have an adventurous year! But don’t stop there: Sign the kids up for swim lessons at one of our continually-growing Goldfish Swim School locations and have fun while you’re at it! Curious? Check out our Top 5 Reasons Why Goldfish Swim School is Worth the Money (hello, 90-degree water temperature!).