Top resolutions for a happier family

Parenting gurus suggest positive changes parents could make for a joyful 2026.

- By LISA SALMON

IT'S the New Year and many people will be thinking about resolutions they can make to improve their life in 2026.

But for children's lives to improve, it's their mums and dads who need to make the resolutions and experts at the nation's family charities and parenting groups have their own ideas about what those should be.

Here's what they suggest for parents' New Year resolutions...

REMEMBER WHAT REALLY MATTERS

Louise Burke, editorial director at Netmums, says: "The noise around modern family life can be deafening, and it's so easy to feel like you're falling short. But what if this is the year we flip the script?

"Instead of adding more to our plates, take things out, letting go of guilt, comparison, the endless shoulds and must-dos. When we strip things back to what really matters the smiles and cuddles, the laughter and simply getting through to a peaceful bedtime - that's where family life feels lighter, and far more joyful."

REACH OUT TO SOMEONE TOUCHED BY PREGNANCY OR BABY LOSS

Jen Coates, director of bereavement support services at the baby-loss charity Sands, says: "One of the most common things bereaved parents tell us is that no one talked about their loss or their baby. This can leave them feeling lonely and isolated.

"Talking about pregnancy and baby loss can be as simple as using their baby's name, asking how they are, letting them know you're there to support. Ask how they'd like to remember their baby over the coming year. Do they want to talk about their baby?

"So, if you do one thing differently in 2026, please make it finding the words to talk about pregnancy and baby loss so we can help break the silence together."

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