Priorities and Goals

The National Fatherhood Initiative has an article titled "Resolutions for All Your Roles." This makes a great discussion topic for your family meeting. If the baby's father will be involved with the baby, make him a part of this discussion too. Give each person a piece of paper and a pen.

1) Brainstorm all the roles each person plays, and write them down. For example, mother/father, husband/wife, brother/sister, employee/volunteer, student, sports team player, friend, etc.

2) Pick the five most important roles from this list.

3) Create goals for each role, for this year. See our previous post about making goals.

Example goals for mothers and fathers:

• Schedule time each week for kids
• Start or keep traditions
• Hug your kids each day
• Talk to your kids about tough stuff
• Teach your kids about money
• Be healthy together

Example goals for husbands and wives:

• Schedule a monthly date night
• Kiss your spouse every day
• Listen more
• Engage in conversation over dinner
• Help each other with taking care of the kids and household chores

Example goals for employees and students:

• Get organized
• Take the initiative on projects and assignments
• Create a plan to keep work/school in balance with family time
• Develop your leadership skills

Example goals for sons and daughters:

• Talk to your parents regularly
• Remember important family events like birthdays and anniversaries
• Plan ways to spend time with family regularly