Parenting Goals for 2023 – Make the Best of The New Year

As a parent, ensuring the safety and well-being of your family is of the utmost importance. Although it is never too late to set positive parenting goals, now that we are in 2023 and a new year has approached, it’s an excellent time to re-evaluate and assess the path you would like to set in your parenting journey this year. Continue reading to learn some positive parenting goals you can adopt for the year ahead.

1. Schedule yearly physicals and immunizations. Both parents and their children should undergo annual physicals and immunizations. Physicals ensure that you and your family remain healthy, and they aid in being proactive in case a medical concern does arise. Vaccines, such as the COVID and FLU vaccines, help prevent spikes in cases and keep loved ones, family members, and friends safe.
2. Spend time outdoors. Getting outdoors and taking in the fresh air is an excellent way to boost your mood, exercise, and see nature, all while taking in some much-needed vitamin D. Spending time outdoors also helps your children take a break from their video games and TV, and it has also been proven to promote healthier sleep habits (all of which are beneficial to your overall health).
3. Make good digital choices. Take some extra time to look at what your children are watching on TV, social media, or online. Ensure that the content they absorb is age-appropriate to prevent unhealthy media usage. Consider making a family media plan and getting involved in your children’s online activities. You can be a part of it by playing some of their games with them or watching the videos they enjoy watching together.
4. Read more. Making reading a priority has many positive brain-boosting benefits. For younger children who have recently begun reading, adding it to their bedtime routine is a great way to introduce more reading time into their day. For older children, reading together or introducing exciting books can be an outlet to guide them toward reading more.
5. Cook together as a family. Cooking is fun and interactive for children to learn basic math and home skills while bonding with their parents. Besides, if your child is a picky eater, cooking with them will introduce new foods they are more receptive to trying if they get to make them themselves.
6. Prepare a family disaster plan. Family disasters can strike anytime, hence why they are called “disasters.” If you don’t already have a plan set in place, consider making one this year. You never know when tragedy might strike, so being prepared is always crucial. Regardless of if it’s for a hurricane, house fire, or any other catastrophe, it’s always best to have a clear path on what to do if you find yourself in a challenging situation.
7. Practice self-care and stay on top of mental health. Staying on top of your children’s mental health is essential, especially for children going through puberty. Children going through puberty experience hormonal changes that can affect their mental health. Keep a positive line of communication with your children and be a safe space for them to come to you about their concerns. Even for parents, if you are struggling with your mental health, know that you are not alone. There is always someone to talk to and if you need help, reach out.

Our staff at SuraMed Health Center wishes you a prosperous 2023. We want to you and your family an abundance of health and hope you achieve all your goals this year. If you are concerned about your child’s health, or would like to schedule an appointment, please click here to contact the clinic nearest to you.