Families should make New Year's resolutions too: Expert

Washington, Dec 27 (ANI): New Year's is a time for resolutions. An expert from Wake Forest University suggests that rather than making individual promises, families should set goals for the new calendar year together.

Dr. Samuel Gladding, a licensed professional counselor with a specialty in family counseling and chair of the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University suggests that like merchants, families should take inventory.

"Family resolutions can be fun and fulfilling in that they help you as a family see the year ahead," said Gladding, who has written several books on family and group counselling.

"Making resolutions encourages families to be proactive rather than reactive. Many families get caught up in comfortable routines, but sometimes they're not growth-promoting," he added.

Gladding suggests having family meetings should be held regularly throughout the year, but January 1 is a good time to start the tradition for families who are not already sitting down to talk on a regular basis.

He has offered some tips on how to make the most of the meetings.

Eliminate distractions

When holding a family meeting, there should be no diversions. Turn the television off and sit in a circle - around the table or on the floor - where everyone is on the same level.

Give everyone a chance to talk

The family meeting is a time to talk over issues, set goals for the year and to do some practical planning. "In a family meeting, everyone should have a voice," Gladding says.

Set priorities

"Are certain things building up in terms of frustrations or are family members involved in too many activities that aren't meaningful? If so, address those at the start of the year and revisit them if needed during the year," Gladding says.

Establish goals

Use the family meeting to set goals such as eating dinner together more frequently or setting aside more time for favorite family activities, he recommends.

Put it on the calendar

Marking some things on the calendar is also a good idea. "Families can look at the calendar and put things in place that are traditions," Gladding says. Once those things are planned, the family can look for new adventures and opportunities. (ANI)