10 Parenting Resolutions for 2010

10. Stop Yelling

It doesn’t do you any good—or them any good. Yes, it’s almost an automatic response to stress; but think of the stress you’ll be busting by slowing down, counting to ten, taking a breath, and then moving on with the day. Plus, you’ll be teaching your children some prime stress relief techniques.

9. Read More

Experts recommend reading to your children for 20 minutes a day, but how many of us actually do that? And if you already do, there’s no time limit rule that says you have to stop at 20 minutes either; if you’re having fun, keep reading! Be sure to read on your own so your children see you reading as an example—and so you can enjoy “grown up” books, too.

8. Cook More

If there’s one thing about this economy that’s been beneficial, it’s that we’re eating out less. Even McDonald’s has taken a hit. Try cooking a completely homemade meal once a week, and reducing your fast food intake even less in 2010.

7. Preserve Your Memories

Take more pictures. Get a memory book or scrapbook. Post your pictures at work, on the bulletin board at home, in new frames. Get and use a camcorder. You’ll be happy you did so in the future. And since it’s a new decade…

6. Make a Time Capsule

Add in a newspaper, school photos, mementos, and anything special throughout the year. Then, on New Year’s Eve 2010, seal it and put it some place safe and open it up on New Year’s Day 2020.

5. Clear the Clutter

Get organized as best as you can by eliminating everything you don’t need and either pitching it or donating it. Toss any old files you don’t need and put the rest in an orderly fashion. Use this tip I learned from Gretchen Rubin: As soon as you touch a piece of paper—whether it’s a bill, a form to fill out, a field trip slip, whatever—take care of it so you won’t have to deal with it again. If you can’t pay it immediately, file it where you can take care of it as soon as possible.

4. Make Time to Give

Resolve to volunteer with your family this year. Work at an animal shelter together, see if you can help out at the hospital, or even help an elderly neighbor with shopping and errands.

3. Make Time for Fun!

No funds does not have to equal no fun! Visit the library, local festivals, and other free venues. Check out GoCityKids.com for free events in your area.

2. Make Meal Time Family Time

We all know the benefits of having a family meal together, so why do we always let it slip through the cracks? Turn off the TV and sit down together for at least one meal a day—even if it’s just cold cereal or takeout.

1. Relax More

This goes for your parenting life as well as your personal life—worrying doesn’t help with anything. On the contrary, it can make things worse. Realize that this, too, shall pass, that you’ve already come a long way (if you have a child, this is true!), and trust that you will be able to handle anything life throws at you this new year.