10 New Year Resolutions for Parents in 2025

The New Year is upon us, and with it comes the annual ritual of promising to become our best selves—or at least better than the hot mess we were last year. For parents, this usually means aiming for that sweet spot between “Pinterest-perfect” and “Did everyone survive today? Good enough!”

But let’s ditch the guilt-ridden goals and focus on realistic resolutions that will actually make 2025 brighter for you and your family. Here are 10 meaningful resolutions for parents, served with a side of wit and a generous dollop of actionable advice.

1. Stop Trying to Win the “Parent Olympics”

If you’re measuring your parenting success by how many organic, gluten-free, hand-whittled lunchboxes you can assemble, stop. Parenting isn’t a competitive sport, and nobody’s handing out medals for “Best Hover Parent”. The endless comparison game only drains your energy and confidence.

Action Steps:

• Compare less, connect more. Limit your time on social media, or at least unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate. Social media often shows only the highlight reels, not the bloopers.
• Focus on your family’s needs and rhythms. Sit down with your partner or co-parent to establish what “success” looks like for your family and prioritise that over external benchmarks.
• Remember that your kids need a happy, present parent more than a perfect one.

2. Embrace the Chaos

Life with kids is messy, loud, and unpredictable. Fighting the chaos is like yelling at a tornado; it’ll only make you hoarse. Instead, lean into the madness and learn to laugh at the absurdities of family life.

Action Steps:

• Pick your battles. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in five years?” If the answer is no, let it go. Mismatched socks or crayon on the wall might not be the hill to die on.
• Designate one “anything goes” day a month where rules are relaxed, and fun is the priority. Let the kids decide the activities, even if it means pancake dinners and movie marathons.
• Practice mindfulness. When chaos erupts, take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is a season—and it won’t last forever.

3. Communicate Like a Pro

Stop barking orders and start having meaningful conversations. Good communication is the cornerstone of a healthy family dynamic. It fosters trust, understanding, and cooperation.

Action Steps:

• Use the “2-minute rule“: During disagreements, give your child two uninterrupted minutes to explain their perspective. You’ll be surprised how much clarity and empathy this brings.
• Practice active listening. This means putting down your phone, making eye contact, and acknowledging your child’s feelings. Respond with phrases like, “I hear you,” or “That sounds frustrating.”
• Model respectful communication. If you want your kids to speak kindly and calmly, they need to see you doing the same—even when you’re upset.

4. Prioritise Your Own Health

You can’t pour from an empty cup, so stop treating self-care like a luxury. It’s a necessity. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to parent effectively.

Action Steps:

• Schedule “you time” in the same way you schedule dentist appointments or soccer practice. Write it on the calendar to make it non-negotiable.
• Aim for small, sustainable habits: Take a daily 10-minute walk, incorporate a weekly yoga or exercise class, or simply prioritise drinking more water and eating balanced meals.
• Get enough sleep. Develop a bedtime routine that allows you to wind down, even if it’s just 15 minutes of reading or meditation.

5. Become the CEO of “Screen Time Inc.”

Screens aren’t the enemy, but they do need oversight. Balance is key, especially when it comes to fostering healthy habits and relationships with technology.

Action Steps:

• Create a family media plan. Sit down together and set guidelines for screen-free zones (like the dinner table) and screen-free times (like an hour before bed).
• Lead by example. If you’re doom-scrolling or glued to your laptop, don’t be surprised when your child mimics you. Model healthy screen habits by taking breaks and prioritising face-to-face interactions.
• Encourage tech-free hobbies. Explore activities like board games, sports, or arts and crafts that everyone can enjoy without screens.

6. Say “No” to Overcommitting

Between school events, extracurriculars, and work obligations, it’s easy to overschedule your life into oblivion. Learn to protect your family’s time and energy.

Action Steps:

• Limit your kids to one or two extracurricular activities per season. This ensures they have downtime to recharge and prevents burnout.
• Practice the art of saying no. Whether it’s declining a playdate or stepping back from a volunteer role, remember that “no” is a complete sentence. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
• Build in buffer time. Leave open spaces in your calendar for spontaneity or simply to relax as a family.

7. Invest in One-on-One Time

Family time is great, but one-on-one moments are where the magic happens. These focused interactions strengthen bonds and make kids feel truly seen and valued.

Action Steps:

• Schedule “dates” with each child. Mark these on the calendar to show your commitment. It could be as simple as going for ice cream, playing their favourite game, or taking a walk together.
• During one-on-one time, let your child choose the activity. This gives them a sense of autonomy and reinforces that their interests matter to you.
• Use these moments to check in emotionally. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s something that’s been on your mind lately?”

8. Turn Chores Into Teamwork

Let’s face it: Nobody likes chores. But when they’re a shared responsibility, they teach teamwork, accountability, and life skills—all while lightening your load.

Action Steps:

• Create a chore chart that’s age-appropriate and rotates responsibilities. For younger kids, use visuals or stickers to make it fun.
• Turn chores into a game. Play music, set timers for “beat the clock” challenges, or offer small rewards for completing tasks efficiently.
• Show appreciation. Thank your kids for their contributions, even if the bed isn’t perfectly made or the dishes still have water spots.

9. Focus on Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just a warm, fuzzy feeling; it’s a proven way to boost happiness and resilience. Teaching kids to appreciate the little things sets them up for a more positive outlook on life.

Action Steps:

• Start a family gratitude jar. Each week, everyone writes down one thing they’re thankful for and adds it to the jar. At the end of the year, read them together.
• Model gratitude by thanking your kids and spouse for even the small things, like clearing the table or helping with homework.
• Incorporate gratitude into daily routines. During bedtime or dinner, ask each family member to share one thing they appreciated about their day.

10. Remember the Big Picture

Your job isn’t to raise the next Einstein or Serena Williams; it’s to raise decent, kind, and capable humans. Keep this perspective front and centre when the small stuff starts to feel overwhelming.

Action Steps:

• Reflect on your parenting goals. Take time to journal or discuss with your partner what truly matters to you as a parent. Are you prioritising values like kindness, curiosity, or resilience?
• Celebrate progress, not perfection. Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. Acknowledge small wins, like a heartfelt “thank you” from your child or a family dinner with no arguments.
• Reframe challenges as opportunities. Instead of viewing tantrums or setbacks as failures, see them as chances to teach and grow.

Stephen Yeo

Proud father of two lovely kids, who at times pushed me to seriously consider editing out the word “lovely” from this sentence. (I am not alone in this.)