Did you write resolutions for the New Year?
New Years is a perfect time for renewing calendars, goal sheets, creating new challenges and planning to meet them.
Of course, by March, some of us have forgotten our New Years’ resolutions but while they are fresh in our mind, let’s relish a spirit of renewal and intentional drive.
At Grandparent Merit Badges, we find new ways to achieve purpose year around, through Our Mission:
The Grandparent Merit Badges mission is to help grandparents and other important family members form strong, positive bonds with the young children in their lives while supporting and improving the respective communities they live in.
In this New Year, let’s resolve to form new bonds with our loved ones through all the means that are offered in our books!
One of our children received a bird watching book for Christmas and another received an apron and baking pan. I will resolve to work on both of these activities with my children. I know that it will be a challenge for me to set aside precious time to work on these activities. And of course, the rewards of family bonding will be wonderful and new memories made. I can’t wait to challenge myself!
Resolve… To go on a walk with a loved one. Go for a short walk in the neighborhood or a lovely long walk on a nature trail. Either way, you are sure to enjoy it! Cheat sheet… some neighborhoods have a nature trail of sorts, or a small bridge over a creek, or a pond with ducks.
Resolve… To cook with a loved one. Share a favorite recipe or look up a new one and try it. This wonderful activity forms stronger bonds with family and brings joy to excited young bakers. Challenge… Take a family member to the local farmer’s market to pick out a few of the key ingredients for your selected recipe!
Resolve… To share stories with your loved ones. Curl up on your favorite chair and talk about what you enjoyed most about the holiday season or what you look forward to in 2024. Sometimes children and grandchildren want to dwell only on the favorite toy they received. Use this special opportunity as a teaching moment to point out the moments shared, meals shared, an experience or a memory that everyone enjoyed - the real treasures!
Resolve… To seek out the new museum opening with your loved one. What exhibit surprised you the most? Recently, we took our children to the local botanical garden. What surprised us was the Orchid room. It was so beautiful and … fragrant! What a gorgeous surprise!
Resolve… To take the art class you have been waiting to sign up for. Teach a grandchild or loved one about what you’re learning. Challenge… sign up for an art class with a loved one. Oh, the new skills and new conversations to be had!
Resolve… To read a classic story this year. Share this special learning time with your loved one. Is the author English? Or Polish? What other titles did they write? Was it fantasy or history, and were there dragons?
Resolve… To find peace and joy in each day. Whether in a newly fallen autumn leaf, a perfectly warm cup of hot chocolate, a special phone conversation, or greeting a new friend for the first time, help bring kindness and joy into our world.
We look forward to being a part of your journey in 2024!
Pick up a GMB book and use it as an easy-to-follow tool guide for your resolutions!
We, and our loved ones, are in need of each other in every way. By taking the time to put down our phones and our screens and see each other, we take that first step each day in telling another person, “I Care about you. I see you. Let’s do something together.”
We Wish you the very best in this New Year, brimming with hope and renewed purpose!
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