New Year, New Adventures

Forget about those old resolutions. This year—be bold and adventurous! Take the opportunity, as a family, to expand your horizons, explore new experiences, and discover what’s out there. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• New Food: Try a new recipe, even if you don’t think your kids will like it. You may be surprised!
• New Hobby: Is there something you’ve always talked about doing in your spare time, but that extra time never comes? Create some space in your life for a new activity.
• New Sport: A love of sports can start early. Many local communities have programs for kids as young as three, and adults too. Try something new! You can even play family games in the yard. A little friendly competition won’t hurt.
• New Outlook: Find some perspective in the new year. Learn about cultures or beliefs different from your own. Read more about an issue that’s important to you. Talk to your kids about the differences you see around you or the different people they encounter each day.
• New Place: Schedule a visit to explore a place you’ve never been before. Check out a new museum, restaurant, or park. Aim even higher by making a list and visiting them all.
• New Music: Music is a wonderful conduit for learning, especially for young children. Find a new favorite song or encourage them to try playing an instrument—even if it’s just a pot and wooden spoon!
• New Tradition: It could be daily—a group bear-hug every morning, family dinners, or bedtime stories. Or perhaps weekly—a special Saturday breakfast or family game night. Once a year counts too—celebrate half-birthdays or check out a seasonal event in your community.
• New Friends: Plan a playdate with one of your child’s friends from school. Give them the opportunity to play outside of the classroom environment. Who knows, mom or dad might find a new friend, too!
• New Book: We all know kids have an old favorite book to read each night at bedtime. Why not create a new favorite? Check out some options from the library and make a plan to read something new every week
• New Language: Try teaching your little ones (and yourself) a few words in a different language. Need help deciding? Here are the top six languages experts feel will best benefit kids in the future.
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • Italian
  • German
  • American Sign Language (ASL)
• New City: Plan a trip! Do some research or just point to the map and find a new place your family hasn’t seen before. Pack up the kids and have a great adventure!

Have fun creating your own list with your family. Be sure to try everything, at least once. And above all else, enjoy!

Source: Learning Care Group, learningcaregroup.com.