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January is a great time to take a step back, take a breath, and look at how you are taking care of yourself and others in your family. Start with celebrating what you are doing right. Then you can consider building off your strengths and set some new parenting goals for the rest of the year. Consider these suggestions from healthychildren.org:
1. Get everyone up-to-date on recommended immunizations.
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your children, and other loved ones from dangerous viruses such as RSV, flu and COVID, which have been rising among children. Call Kids First Pediatrics (919- 250- 3478) to make sure your children are up-to-date on all recommended immunizations and ask any questions you may have. And, remind your kids that good hand hygiene habits will help prevent the spread of germs.
2. Build healthy digital habits.
What are your kids watching on TV and online? Devote some time to researching age-appropriate media. Create or update your family media use plan, and try to prevent gaming from becoming an unhealthy habit. Remember that screen time shouldn't always be alone time. Watch a show together. Play a video game together. Understand what they are doing and be a part of it.
3. Read together.
Set aside some time for shared reading each day. For younger kids, an easy way is to build it into your child's bedtime routine. For older children and teens, share a favorite book by taking turns reading aloud or listening to audiobooks together. Reading has so many brain-boosting benefits for kids. Reading together also strengthens that special bond between you and your child.
4. Get outside more.
Spending time outdoors can be a great mood booster. It also helps families get needed physical activity and vitamin D while enjoying time in nature. Spending time outside also gives your child's eyes a healthy screen-time break. It may also help them sleep better at night.
5. Check your car seat limits for safety.
Kids grow so fast and can easily outgrow car seats faster than parents realize. Keep kids riding rear-facing as long as possible, up to the limits of their car seat, because this is the safest mode. This commonly includes children under 2 and most children up to age 4. See if there are any new car seat laws that may be going into effect in your state in the new year. Remind anyone who transports your child by car about all safety rules.
6. Set aside time to cook together & share family meals.
Many families enjoy baking treats together during the holidays. Keep the fun going in the new year. Schedule special times to cook together as a family. If your child is a picky eater, this can get them more interested in trying new, healthy foods. Eating more meals together when you can is another healthy goal. Research finds that kids who eat with their families at least 3 times a week enjoy hearty physical, emotional, social, and academic benefits.
7. Make a family disaster kit.
It's scary to think how disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, or tornados could affect our communities. However, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Being ready is one way to be less afraid. Ask your children what they would want with them in a disaster and assemble basic supplies. Read here for some useful items to pack.
8. Mind mental health & practice self-care.
When was the last time you had a check-up? Got proper rest? Once a baby is no longer a part of your body, it's easy to forget that how you care for yourself affects how well you can care for your child. We also know depression and anxiety can happen to both moms and dads during and after pregnancy, even up to three years after having a child. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 by calling 1-833-943-5746. And for non-emergency support, you can contact Postpartum Support International: call or text "Help" to 1-800-944-4773.
Need support with your parenting goals for 2025? Reach out to Kids First Pediatrics of Raleigh (919) 250-3478 or Clayton (919) 267-1499.
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*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.
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