Happy New Year, 2024! A new year always brings new goals and challenges. Most people make a New Year’s resolution. This year I decided to set goals for our family instead of just personal goals for myself. I was inspired by a podcast that I listen to to break them down month by month as a way to keep us on track the entire year instead of getting burnt out mid-February. I decided to write up each monthly value and tape it to the top of our calendar. I even had my oldest help me to decorate each goal so that she could feel a part of the whole process.
January- Wonder and Learn
With two young children, I want to keep their childhood alive and curious for as long as possible. The whole month of January we will be focused on exploring new things. Trips to the zoo, and play places in town. Sensory bins and arts and crafts.
February- Love
What can we do to show our love and appreciation for those closest to us? Through our actions and words, and even creating cards, our main focus of the month will be love.
March- Health and Wellness
I want to work on establishing healthy eating and exercise habits with my girls and teaching them to learn about the different food groups etc.
April- Savings
The goal of the month is to do a “no-spend April”. No trips to Target or Amazon purchases. Only the essentials- groceries and diapers.
May- Gardening
I plan to plant a garden with the girls this month and to focus on the entire gardening process with the girls. Trips to the local farmers market, and cooking more meals at home
June- Nature
Usually the nicest month of the year weather-wise- I plan to use the month of June to focus on spending as much time outside in nature as possible. Family hikes, picnics in the backyard, evening walks before bed.
July- Play!
July is such a FUN month! My plan is to just let the days take us where they may. I may not be as strict on naps and bedtime. A month to focus on the simple joys and fun of summertime.
August- Home
One last month of summertime before the back-to-school grind. My plan is to take this time to organize and prepare my home for the fall. Cleaning out closets, organizing the pantry, cleaning those cobwebs from the corners.
September- Family and Friendship
My hope is to use this month to connect with family members who may live out of town, or friends we haven’t seen in a while. Possibly planning a family road trip to visit relatives farther away, or simple trips to the apple orchard with family and friends in town.
October- Prayer/Meditation
The busiest time of year is coming in the next month. I want to use the month of October to try to slow down and regroup. Yoga classes together as a family, slow mornings and taking time to relax and recharge.
November- Cooking/Baking
A month to practice making some new dishes and treats before Thanksgiving and Christmas. I want to involve the girls in the whole process as much as possible from choosing new recipes, mixing, and of course taste testing.
December- Charity
This is a common theme for the Christmas season. I would love to adopt a family for Christmas and help my daughters understand the true meaning of the season.
This is just a broad overview of what my plan is for 2024. This time with my young daughters is precious and fleeting and I want to take advantage of this time with them. If we can accomplish all of these goals- great. If not- I’m sure we will have a wonderful time trying.
For BlueWaterParent.com – Alyssa Dock
