A regular quarterly or mid-year family review is a great way to reset, reflect, and reconnect – to celebrate achievements, adjust routines, align family priorities, and plan achievable goals for the rest of the year.
Good habits are a healthy way to progress and keep growing at home. Every family member plays an important role in a happy home. Here are intentional habits you can consider to strengthen your marriage, be a present parent, and empower your children in the year ahead.
Marriage Habit #1: Daily Words of Affirmation
It doesn't have to be for something phenomenal. Notice the ordinary and let praise come from the heart. For example, a simple “Dear, thank you for preparing breakfast” or “You look great today!” can break the monotony of expectations and routines, and put a smile on your spouse's face.
Marriage Habit #2: Regular Date Nights
Don't wait for a special occasion to plan a date with your spouse. A weekly 10 a.m. Saturday brunch or a fortnightly 11 p.m. supper while the children sleep can become a much-needed marriage lifeline. As long as you both have uninterrupted time together, whether night or day, it counts as a date.
Parenting Habit #1: 15 Minutes to Love and Listen
A lot of our communication with our children is, unfortunately, instructional. To reverse that, give each child just 1% of your day: 15 minutes of undivided attention. Ask about their day, find out what made them laugh or cry, share their joys and burdens, and offer encouragement when they need it most. End with a hug and “I love listening to you!”
Parenting Habit #2: Weekend Family Time
We live in a world where it's often faster to do things alone. Make the effort to schedule an activity every weekend for the whole family to participate in. Wash the car together, go grocery shopping, visit a museum, or simply enjoy a scrumptious meal together. A quick online search, and you will be overflowing with ideas.
Children's Habit #1: Daily Gratefulness
At the end of each day, encourage everyone to share three things they are grateful for. Cultivating gratitude in your children helps them view their day positively before they fall asleep. Even the most difficult days can have a silver lining.
Children's Habit #2: Help with one household chore
Assign your children age-appropriate chores, such as setting the dinner table, tidying the living room, watering the plants, or—for younger children—”wiping” the table (yes, you will have to do it again later). These chores teach them responsibility and, more importantly, that every member plays a vital role in your family.
These habits may seem challenging at first, but over time, they will become a natural part of your marriage, your parenting, and your children's lives.
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