The Family Goal-Setting Challenge
Turn family dreams into a shared mission for 2026.
There’s power in getting everyone around the same table — and not just at dinner. Kick off the new year by hosting your own Family Planning Night, complete with snacks, music, and markers.
Start by brainstorming what matters most this year — maybe it’s saving for a trip, spending more time outdoors, or just eating dinner together more often. Then write down one personal goal and one family goal for each person.
To keep everyone connected, end the night with a quick “Family Future Talk” — a 20-minute monthly check-in where everyone shares:
›› What went well this month?
›› What do we want to improve?
›› What are we looking forward to next?
Post your goals on the fridge or create a vision board together. And don’t forget to choose a “Family Word of the Year” (like Adventure, Kindness, or Consistency) to serve as your guiding theme.
By December, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve accomplished — not just as individuals, but as a team.
Pro Parent Tip:
Set a reminder on your phone for your monthly check-in. Treat it like an appointment you don’t miss — and make it fun with pizza or hot cocoa!
For the Kids:
Let the kids decorate the family goal board with stickers, doodles, and positive quotes. It helps them take ownership of the plan!
Future-Proof Your Finances
Small changes today make a big difference tomorrow.
You don’t have to overhaul your budget to get ahead — just start with a few smart habits that keep your family on track for 2026.
Automate your savings.
Set up small, weekly transfers to a “future fund.” Even $20 a week adds up to over $1,000 a year without you even thinking about it.
Teach kids the money basics.
Try a three-jar system for allowance: Save, Spend, and Give. It’s an easy way to teach the balance of responsibility and generosity.
Plan your big-picture checkup.
Once a year, review life insurance, health plans, and retirement contributions — they should grow as your family does.
Make it visual.
Create a simple family savings thermometer or digital tracker — every milestone met deserves a little celebration.
Remember, future-proofing isn’t just about money — it’s about peace of mind. A little intention now can mean a lot more freedom later.
Pro Parent Tip:
Add a “no-spend week” every few months — get creative with meals, skip impulse buys, and see how much you save!
For the Kids:
Turn money lessons into a game! Have kids guess the price of groceries, then talk about the difference between wants and needs.
Digital Declutter Countdown
A lighter digital life = a calmer mind for 2026.
The start of a new year is the perfect excuse to tidy up your digital world. Challenge your family to a 10-Minute Digital Declutter — every day for 10 days.
Here’s your checklist:
›› Delete 10 unused apps.
›› Unsubscribe from junk emails and store promotions.
›› Clear old screenshots and duplicates from your camera roll.
›› Update passwords (and use a password manager!).
›› Sync your calendars and reminders into one shared family app.
›› Organize your desktop — one clean screen, one fresh start.
›› Back up important photos and documents.
›› Turn off nonessential notifications.
›› Leave group chats that drain your time or mood.
›› End by setting “no-phone” zones or hours at home.
It’s a simple reset that gives you back time, focus, and calm — so you can spend more of 2026 doing what matters offline.
Pro Parent Tip:
Declare one evening a week as “Tech Timeout.” No phones, no tablets — just board games, music, or storytelling.
For the Kids:
Have everyone check their weekly screen time. See who can cut theirs by 10% next month!
Small Steps Toward Big Dreams
Tiny wins build lasting change.
Big resolutions are easy to make and hard to keep — so this year, try something smaller, simpler, and more sustainable. Think of it as the “One Step a Month” plan.
Each month, pick one achievable goal as a family:
›› January: Try a new recipe together.
›› February: Go screen-free for a weekend.
›› March: Clean out one closet.
›› April: Plant flowers or a vegetable garden.
›› May: Donate gently used clothes or toys.
›› June: Host a neighborhood cookout.
›› July: Plan a day trip somewhere new.
›› August: Write thank-you notes to teachers or mentors.
›› September: Volunteer as a family.
›› October: Create a family photo album.
›› November: Practice gratitude by sharing one “win” at dinner.
›› December: Reflect on your favorite memories from the year.
By this time next year, you won’t just have met your goals — you’ll have built a rhythm of growth, kindness, and togetherness that lasts long past 2026.
Pro Parent Tip:
Add a “memory box” to your plan — drop in ticket stubs, photos, or notes each month. Open it together next New Year’s Eve!
For the Kids:
Let kids choose the monthly challenge — when they help lead, they’re more excited to join in.
The Year of Saying Yes (and No!)
Protect your time, energy, and joy in 2026.
Here’s a resolution most parents need: choose what fills you up — and let go of what doesn’t.
As a family, sit down and make two lists:
›› Yes To: More game nights, spontaneous adventures, lazy Sundays, morning walks, laughter at the dinner table.
›› No To: Overpacked weekends, guilt over saying no, comparison scrolling, and schedules so full you forget to rest.
Hang your lists where everyone can see them — a gentle reminder that protecting your time is part of loving your family well.
When 2026 arrives, you’ll feel lighter, freer, and more connected to what truly matters: the people around your table.
Pro Parent Tip:
Every month, revisit your “Yes and No” list. Adjust it as your family’s needs change — flexibility keeps balance realistic.
For the Kids:
Try using “yes” and “no” jars — when you say yes to something good, drop a marble in. When you say no to something draining, drop one too. By the end of the year, you’ll see the value in both.