Spend Time With Your Family in the New Year 

You can't get valuable family time back, so make this a year with no regrets.

Written by Jill Biggins Gerbracht 

No one ever said they regretted spending time together as a family. In fact, quite the opposite is true. If you are a parent trying to balance a career with your parental responsibilities, you are not alone. A survey of 2,000 parents conducted by Huggies Little Swimmers in 2012 found 63% wish they had done more activities with their children. More than half said they regretted not having more quality time with their children when they were younger.

It's never too late to turn back the clock and implement simple and fun activities for your family to enjoy together. As the new year unfolds, now is a great time to recommit to spending quality time together. Amid our busy lives, participating in meaningful activities that foster connection and create lasting memories is invaluable.

Here are some fun ways to bond with your family and make the most of your time together this year and beyond.

1. Create a Family Bucket List

Brainstorm and create a bucket list together. Encourage everyone to contribute ideas from simple activities like game and movie nights to more adventurous tasks such as hiking a new trail or learning a new skill. Display the list prominently and work together to check off the experiences throughout the year.

2. Volunteer as a Family

Giving back to the community is incredibly rewarding. You can explore local volunteer opportunities or initiate a project of your own—from serving at a soup kitchen to participating in a beach cleanup or helping out at an animal shelter. Working together for a good cause will not only make a positive impact but is sure to strengthen family bonds.

3. Family Fitness Routine

Commit to staying active together by planning family walks, workouts and outdoor activities. Participating in organized sports keeps everyone involved, whether you are in the game or cheering from the sidelines. Why not try new activities to keep it exciting and fun for everyone?

4. Explore Nature

Plan outings in the park, explore local hiking trails or head to the botanical gardens. Nature offers a serene backdrop for family bonding. Have a picnic, walk at the beach or just enjoy the natural beauty of our South Bay surroundings together. Encouraging appreciation of the environment while spending quality time as a family is rewarding for all.

5. Establish Family Traditions

Create rituals or traditions unique to your family. It could be a weekly movie night, a monthly themed dinner or an annual family vacation. Traditions build a sense of belonging and provide cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come.

6. Share Stories and Memories        

Allocate time for storytelling. Encourage grandparents, parents and children to share stories from past and present. This not only strengthens family ties but helps preserve history and values—creating a strong sense of identity, especially for kids.

7. Tech-Free Time     

When possible, designate specific periods of time where screens take a back seat. Use this time to encourage conversations, play board games, do puzzles, cook together or try simple DIY projects. Unplugging from technology gives everyone a chance to unwind and reconnect in a more meaningful way.           

Help yourself and your family make this the year you all follow through with your goals by making it a family affair. This way, everyone wins. You can share a sense of accomplishment, which not only helps in achieving your shared goals but can bring you closer together as a family.