By The American Academy of Pediatrics

Helping to make your family safer, stronger, and more harmonious may not require a complete overhaul but rather a few strategic tweaks.

Here are some concrete and tangible parenting goals you can set for the year ahead.

1. Get everyone up-to-date on recommended immunizations. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your children, and other loved ones from viruses. Call your pediatrician to ensure your children are up-to-date on all recommended immunizations, and ask any questions you may have.
2. Do good digital. What are your kids watching on TV and online? Devote some time to researching age-appropriate media. Make a family media use plan, and try to prevent gaming from becoming unhealthy. Remember that screen time shouldn’t always be alone time. Understand what they are doing and be a part of it.
3. Read together. Set aside some time for reading each day. Reading has so many brain-boosting benefits for kids. Reading together also strengthens that special bond between you and your child.
4. Get outside more. Spending time outdoors can be a great mood booster and help families get needed physical activity and vitamin D while enjoying time in nature. Spending time outside also gives your child’s eyes a healthy screen time break. It may also help them sleep better at night.
5. Keep kids riding rear-facing as long as possible, up to the limits of their car seat. This will include virtually all children under two and up to 4. If you are past the car-seat stage of parenting, congrats! If you’re still in the thick of it, check for any new car seat laws that may be going into effect in your state in the new year.
6. Set aside time to cook as a family. Many families enjoy baking treats together during the holidays. Keep the fun going in the new year. Set aside special times to cook together as a family. If your child is a picky eater, this can get them more interested in trying new, healthy foods.
7. Make a family disaster kit. It’s scary to think how disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, or tornados could affect our communities. Being ready is one way to be less afraid. With your children, assemble the necessary supplies if a disaster strikes.
8. Mind mental health & practice self-care. When was the last time you had a checkup? Have you got proper rest? Once a baby is no longer a part of your body, it’s easy to forget that tight association between how you care for yourself and how you care for your child’s health. We also know depression and anxiety can happen to moms and dads during and after pregnancy. If this is you, you’re not alone. Help is near.