5 Small Things You Can Do as a Family to Make 2022 Happier

We may be as powerless as our children to the prospect of a pandemic. But we can control how we deal with it, and we can trust that the key to overall well-being starts at home. We may not have a crystal ball to paint a rosy picture of the future, but these are some helpful little tips. Parents can make sure their families are happier in 2022, regardless of uncertainty.

1. Take care of yourself first

Before we can enjoy our family as a whole, parents must take care of themselves. The past two years have been a time of change, loss, and mountains of stress. It should come as no surprise to anyone that when a parent or caregiver is stressed, so can our children.

We may need therapy, more alone time, or an important opportunity to connect with our inner self. Looking ahead to 2022, parents need to start with themselves.

2. Let the kids have a real snow day

There's no denying that distance learning is a great tool for schools to use, but the memory of a snowy day should be a common and universal experience for every child living in a snowy area. So let them take a day off because, honestly, they've earned it.

3. Make family time meaningful

Put down your phone, iPad, and tablet, blow the dust off your board games, and consciously find ways to spend quality time with your family. Maybe that means taking some time out of the week to sit at the table for dinner. Or maybe you designate one night a week to watch a home movie. Whatever it is, make sure you bring your body and mind to the table.

4. Give back to your community

Research shows that giving to others can help boost a person's physical and mental health. Not to mention, now is the perfect time to lend a helping hand, as the needs of those around us are so many. Volunteer at your local soup kitchen, donate supplies to schools in the area, buy flowers for a nursing home, or put some homemade cookies on your neighbor's doorstep.

5. Make your children’s voice heard

Even in the most typical situations, children obey the decisions of adults. Now, the world has gone through a radical 180 years, which has given children less control over their daily lives than ever before.

According to Zimmerman, this level of stress can lead to "increased anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and overall stress to medical and physical health." Meaning, we can't let our kids get in the way of their effective feelings.

If we hope to have a happier family in 2022, then we must let our children know that their voices, opinions and emotions are as important as ours. We may be as powerless as our children are about the prospect of a pandemic, but we can control how we respond to it, and we can trust that the key to overall well-being starts at home.