Before you start reading, give yourself a pat on the back – because you are a SURVIVOR!
For most of us, the year 2020 has tested our resilience, patience, and self-awareness. And as we have reached the new year, some of us might be a little wary about what is to come.
Maybe some of us might muster a little less hope to not disappoint ourselves. Maybe some of us are not even going to set goals or resolutions for 2021 because 2020 has, in more ways than one, turned our world topsy-turvy.
Moreover, our plans for next year are going to be a lot different than what they used to be. No big parties or overseas holidays but more time on the couch, catching up on movies and series.
But chup!
If there is one thing 2020 has taught us, it is that family comes first. And what better way to plan your New Year’s 2021 resolutions than investing in your home and family?
The start of the new year is a great time to help your kids focus on forming good habits, which keeps you mindful about creating your own, too. If we are honest, kids do teach us about life as much as we teach them!
This New Year, try out some of these resolutions to help make this year and the years that follow, the healthiest and happiest possible!
Healthy New Year’s resolutions for your family
1. Use healthier household products
Did you know that the household products you use can affect the health of you and your family?
From detergents to fabric and from paint to electrical appliances – they all contribute to the well-being of the household. This year, you can opt for investing in an air purifier to keep the dust, bacteria, and viruses at bay, high-quality cooking utensils, so chemical-ridden coatings will not leach into your food; and natural and non-toxic cleaners, so that it does not harm the skin or your family’s skin or circulatory system.
2. Organise your pantry for success
There are two types of people in the world. Those who label and organise all items, and those who have everything in a mess, but claim that they know where everything is kept.
But whichever type you are, here is one thing you should do – keep your junk food AWAY from arms’ reach! This will curb your kids’ craving for snacks, and help you lead a healthier lifestyle as a family.
Sure, we can also say, “Do not buy junk food lah!”
But since Christmas is just over, you have probably gotten at least a box of chocolates, a tin can of gingerbread men, and other treats after all those gift-exchange sessions.
So, how? Ah, reorganise your pantry and store the junk at the back. Hehehe!
3. Commit to one healthy eating change
OK, this is a little difficult, but every journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. The New Year is your first step. Sometimes, you may falter but keep on keeping on. Your small steps will make a difference.
Start by swapping white rice with brown rice, or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking. Start the day by drinking a glass of milk that gives you the nutrients you need for the day. Milk complements well with cereal, too. When you start incorporating that, your whole family follows suit (maybe by force, if you are the one who determines what is on the dining table, they do not really have a choice, do they?).
4. Do something new as a family
After months of being locked down at home, we are sure that you have tried to do something new as a family. It could be assembling a jigsaw puzzle, baking, or gardening – but do not stop there! Look for other ways to do something new as a family.
What about camping out on the lawn, making a DIY cupboard, or going for a staycation somewhere new? Without screen time, of course! Take the opportunity to enjoy some family bonding through talking, making jokes, and saying words of encouragement, instead of looking at a screen.
5. Start a gratitude jar
What is a gratitude jar?
It is a jar where you store notes of what you are thankful for at the end of each day. It is a simple way of cultivating a mindful habit of acknowledging the good in life.
Do not just ask your kids to practise this. Lead by example and do it with them. Trust us, it will put you in a better frame of mind before you go to sleep. It will also help you gain perspective.
At the end of the year, you might have a few jars (depending on how big your jar is) of notes about what you are thankful for. Counting your blessings is one thing we should do more often!
6. Get your school-age kids to come up with their own resolutions
Those above are the resolutions you can make that will trickle down to your family. However, do not forget to give some options to your kids so that your family goals are in line, too.
You could help them out by giving them the list of resolutions below and getting them to choose the ones (on top of their own if they have any) they wish to make:
1. I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors – because getting sunburnt a week later and sunspots a few years on is no fun.
2. I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing, or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week – this will help them reduce screen time and relieve eye stress. After all that Zoom classes, nobody should get additional screen time.
3. I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car – for safety reasons.
4. I will never give out personal information to strangers – also, for safety reasons.
5. I will be nice to other kids – being empathetic and kind are values that are often not prioritised because most prefer to drill their kids on education. But though education will get our kids a great job in the future, values will make them better human beings.
6. I will drink more milk for healthier bones and teeth – because kids have a higher calcium absorption rate than adults. We are talking about a whopping 60%!
Think milk? Drink MARIGOLD® UHT Milk with Malt!
Are all kinds of milk the same? You be the judge!
We all know what milk can do for our kids, but with MARIGOLD® UHT Milk with Malt, it now has an additional ingredient that provides extra nutrients and gives you and your family the energy boost you need to power through the day. That extra ingredient? You have guessed it – malt!
Rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, and D3, MARIGOLD® UHT Milk with Malt also has the minerals and amino acids of malt that help metabolise carbs, protein, and fat – making it a good energy source for your growing kids. It is high in content of calcium and protein as well, and contains a unique BonePlus formulation that promotes effective calcium absorption for bone growth.
And with the goodness of milk and the energy of malt, it gives all the essential benefits your kids need in a single pack!
Your kids love drinking milk? Try the double boost milk today!
Start the year right with MARIGOLD® UHT Milk with Malt. And if you and your kid have got a glass of MARIGOLD® UHT Milk with Malt in hand, we want to see them! Use the hashtag #MilkTimeMatters and #MARIGOLDUHTMilkwithMalt on your Facebook and Instagram posts (do not forget to set your profile to ‘public’ for us to see).
To know more about their upcoming activities, ‘like’ MARIGOLD® UHT Milk Facebook and Instagram pages now! Lastly, buy MARIGOLD® UHT Milk with Malt for your kids today to experience its DOUBLE BOOST benefit!