Realistic Resolutions For the Family

I was hoping to come up with a great article I could reference for you, about making Family Resolutions. So, I googled it. Everyone is saying pretty much the same thing, so these must be the desirable family goals.

– Slow Down
– Unplug
– Spend More Quality Time
– Eat Dinner Together

Easier said then done. I have five kids, three of whom have schedules that rival Obama’s and two more who are potty training. Time is a commodity. We are an over scheduled family and it is my fault. I say “Yes” to basketball and soccer and parties. I say “Yes” to volunteering and committees and added work. I say “Yes” to almost everything asked or suggested to us. I know studies show families who spend more time together produce teenagers who get into less trouble. I know people, kids and adults alike, who are over scheduled have a higher incidence of stress, depression and illness. I know my kids aren’t getting sports scholarships to college. I know downtime is good time. I know this and yet, here I am, with a calendar full of activities and a phone book full of take-out restaurants. In a perfect world, I could simply unplug, slow us all down, don an apron and break out the board games. But, I am in way to deep to take the above four suggestions and simply apply them. Baby steps.
Here is my personal resolution for the good of my family. I am going to say “No” to something once a month. It might be a meeting, or a soccer practice, or a social event. I am certain they can muddle through without my two cents, my child’s athletic contribution or my husband’s banter. And, here’s the important part, I will appreciate every second this simple “No” gave me to spend with my family.