2025-01-30T10:33:00
(BPT) – The 2024 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory shed light on the immense amount of stress parents are under. Part of this is due to the pressure that comes with raising children, working and wanting to be a high performer in every aspect of life. With the new year in full swing, now is a great time to make small, attainable resolutions that have the power to lower stress levels, enhance well-being and improve family dynamics.
“Letting your child see you relax, play and take things a little less seriously is a great way to model behavior that they can emulate someday,” said Joy Turner, vice president of education at Kiddie Academy®.
Here are a few realistic resolutions to help you get started:
1. Find out what your child is learning in school and connect it to your life at home.
A conversation with your child care provider is an easy way to extend what your child is learning beyond the walls of the classroom. For example, if you know the curriculum is highlighting bears one week in school, you can base your home activities around that same learning. Make a “bear snack” of apples dipped in honey, build a “bear cave” out of blankets or simply crawl around on the floor growling like bears. Transferring learning greatly benefits your child and takes the guesswork out of at-home playtime while supporting continued development.
2. Spend more time playing.
According to research from Kiddie Academy, 56% of parents indicate that they feel guilty for not spending enough time with their children, while 26% struggle to teach things like critical thinking skills, helping their little ones create connections with others (25%) and building confidence (23%). All of these skills can be learned through child-led play where your child’s imagination is left to wander and create. Instead of feeling the need to schedule structured activities, take this as an opportunity to enjoy the learning-through-play process with your little one.
3. Read one book a day with your child at home.
One of the most beneficial things you can do at home for your child’s education is to read at least one book together every day. According to research from The Ohio State University, children whose parents read to them on a daily basis hear nearly 300,000 words by the time they turn five years old. By reading more with your child this year, you’ll not only contribute to their healthy development, but you’ll also get to spend extra quality time together.
Setting a quiet family reading time each day is another beneficial practice — for both children and parents. During this time, bring out developmentally appropriate books, like “I Spy” for children who can’t read independently yet and early reader books for older children, and grab a book for yourself as well.
4. Give yourself a break.
Including your child in more tasks around the house that you would typically complete alone can help teach responsibility and independence that can eventually alleviate some of the parental workload. While it might take a little time at the start, your little ones can help with small tasks like putting laundry in the hamper and cleaning up toys.
Don’t forget to take a break from parenting — both physically and mentally. Schedule time to step away — even if it’s just taking an hour to do something for yourself before you pick up your child for the day — and remind yourself that you’re doing a good job.
“Working parents face unique challenges in managing their time and resources to take care of their families,” said Turner. “Leaning on their village, whether that’s family, friends or a child care provider, can help them balance the emotional and physical demands of parenting while freeing up time for them to enjoy being with their children.”
