Have you ever made a family New Year's Resolution?

I know what you're thinking, "My resolution is usually about getting healthier, and I ususally feel guilty within a couple of weeks, when I've broken it.  Why would I want to include my entire family in the misery?"  Speaking as someone who just set their own New Year's Resolution of losing weight, getting more exercise, and being healthier, I completely understand.

However, I would challenge you to think about including your family, especially your children in your plan.  Want some motivation, read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's report on trends in childhood obesity.  That's enough to make you want to get out and run (even when no one is chasing you).

You are your child's best teacher and role model, and the behaviors that you are teaching them now will impact future behaviors.  So, is it a bad thing to teach your child about proper nutrition, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle?  Besides, the more encouragement (and accountability) you have, the more like to both you and your family will be successful.

Don't feel like you have to complete everything by the end of January.  Set more realistic goals, like taking walks, as a family, three or four times a week.  Or, eating a health dinner together at home, at the dinner table.  Besides a healthier lifestyle, you will be surprised how much more connected your family will feel.

I'm talking to some of our experts here at Le Bonheur Children's, and I'll continue an ongoing topic of New Year's Resolutions.  The topics will cover healthy eating, exercise, and other healthy lifestyles.  If there are other topics you would like covered just leave a comment, and I'll do my best to find the answer.