9 New Year’s Resolutions for Parents in 2025
Making New Year's resolutions is a tradition for many people, but for parents, starting the year with good intentions can often give way under the demands of late night feedings, doctor's appointments, potty training, and all the other day-to-day responsibilities. Each of our 9 ideas for New Year's resolutions are designed to be practical, even for busy parents. But remember to be realistic about your goals, determine what you want to achieve most in 2025 and set a plan you can push towards. And most of all, be gentle with yourself. Even on the hard days, you've got this!
1. Unplug More
Screens are a part of our life now, and there’s no reason to feel guilty about turning on a movie or YouTube video to keep a little one entertained for a bit. But too much screen time can delay development. Boredom encourages babies and toddlers to observe the world around them and pick up on social cues and language. Set a goal to decrease screen time for yourself and your baby or toddler by a set amount, say 30 fewer minutes a day.
Finding a new activity to replace this time, such as reading together, taking a walk, or encouraging independent play with soft toys. While it may take some time to adjust, reduced screen time has been shown to relieve stress, anxiety and depression which can help improve patience and being present during family time.
2. Embrace Spontaneity
When it comes to parenting, no two days are alike, and even the best laid plans can easily be thrown off. Give yourself grace and accept that perfection is not attainable. If the dishes have to spend a night in the sink or laundry gets folded tomorrow, it’s ok. Your children won’t remember, but they will remember the time you spend being spontaneous and silly together.
3. Tighten Up Your Bedtime Routine
Keeping a consistent, early bedtime for your baby or toddler will not only make your evening routine easier, but can improve your child’s attitude, attention, memory, learning, and overall health. If your little one struggles to get sleep or resists bedtime, establish a routine that begins before it’s actually time to head to bed. Include fun, but soothing activities, like reading a story or picking out favorite toddler boy pajamas or toddler girl pajamas at their own pace.
4. Read Together
Whether it’s before bed, in the afternoon, or during morning snuggle time, fit in a few more books! Reading to children from day 1 has many benefits including improving communication skills, increasing bonding, improving early education and more. And maybe best of all, it gives you a chance to sit down for a minute! Make sure to pick out books you like—if they find a favorite, you may end up reading it a lot.
5. Spend More Time Outside
If the weather allows, get outside and play more! Exploring parks around you or taking hikes are fun family activities. If you're busy, getting fresh air can be as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood or sitting outside on a porch or balcony. Did you know time spent outside, even if you’re relaxing in a chair or hammock can improve your stress levels, digestion and more?
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Take some time for you! In order to be the best parent you can be, you need time for yourself to recharge and rest. While meditation and exercise are excellent forms of self-care, sometimes you need to watch mindless TV, bake some cookies, spend some time chatting on the phone with a friend, or even just go to bed early. Every little bit helps!
7. Encourage Independent Play
Help your toddler develop confidence and creativity by encouraging a bit more independent play. Whether you only have one child or multiples playing together, taking a step back helps them develop their imagination and overcome obstacles on their own. Set up engaging, safe play areas and give them the space to explore on their own (while keeping an eye out, of course!).
8. Organize Keepsakes
Start a system for collecting precious memories, like a digital album for baby photos, a journal of milestones, or a box for special mementos. The magic of the early years is beautiful, but it passes all too quickly! Preserve these memories so can enjoy remembering them again and again.
9. Find a Community
Parenting can be difficult, but finding a community of others experiencing the same ups and downs can be an incredible source of encouragement and support. If you don’t have a group of friends where you are, seek out activities that will bring you into contact with new people, such as YMCA classes or library reading times, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Whatever parenting New Year’s resolutions you decide upon, remember that taking baby steps is ok. Remember, toddlers don’t start running overnight. But setting a measurable, achievable parenting goals for new year will help provide you with direction to continue growing as a parent. And remember, wherever you are in your parenting journey, we’re here for you.
What are your new year's resolutions? Share them with us on social and tag us in your New Year's family pics with #GCWbaby.
