Feel-good ideas for families

Every January, the world collectively decides to become a better version of itself. We sign up for gym memberships, promise to meditate daily, and buy planners with colour-coded tabs that we’ll never use past February. I’ve been there. Every. Single. Year.

But somewhere between the school run, work deadlines and dinner that somehow burns even in the air fryer, it all starts to unravel. So this year, instead of chasing perfection, my family and I are focusing on something simpler: achievable happiness.

I’ve teamed up with the lovely folks at Muddle Puddles to share a few New Year’s resolutions that don’t require willpower, a spreadsheet, or monk-like discipline, just a bit of time, connection and curiosity.

Get outdoors more

You don’t have to scale Ben Nevis or run a marathon. Sometimes, it’s about stepping outside, breathing properly for the first time all week, and remembering that nature still exists beyond your front window.

We love Northumberlandia, a sculpted landscape in the shape of a reclining woman. It’s our go-to spot to blow away cobwebs and tire out both child and parents alike. These walks started as “exercise” but have turned into our weekend therapy sessions, with hot chocolate as the official finish line.

“Even when we can’t be with loved ones miles away, stepping outside helps us feel better and, somehow, closer.”

Enjoy family meals (and make a mess while you’re at it)

Cooking Persian food together is fun. H project manages the process, telling me what not to do, and Cyrus spills herbs and spices everywhere. He loves stirring the ghormeh sabzi like it’s a potion though.

Eating together isn’t Insta-perfect in our house because dinner is all about connection. One night we might make a slow-cooked stew, the next we might throw a blanket on the floor for a living room picnic. Either way, we end up together, and that’s the point.

Unplug and recharge

We all say it, but do we ever really do it? Pick one night a week to ditch the screens. No phones, no tablets, no “just one quick email”.

Every time we play, I realise that laughter is a far better sleep aid than scrolling through Facebook or Instagram at midnight.

“Screens will wait. Childhood won’t.”

Read together

Bedtime stories have become sacred in our house. My son Cyrus and I curl up with books like Lark the Shark by Natalie Newman, and it’s honestly the calmest part of our day.

Reading together boosts empathy, focus and imagination, qualities every family could use more of. Older kids can start a reading challenge too. Whoever finishes the most books gets to choose the next family movie night pick (within reason, no three-hour epics, thank you).

Try a new hobby

When the world feels predictable, curiosity keeps us alive. During the summer, we made it our mission to visit every castle within driving distance. Chillingham Castle was the clear favourite.

You don’t have to be ambitious. Craft, garden, paint rocks, or simply go somewhere new. It’s about breaking routine, not records.

Learn something new

During lockdown, we discovered the joy of baking cake e yazdi, a Persian rosewater cupcake that somehow tastes like sunshine. Cyrus added his own British twist (more butter, of course).

Whether you’re learning a new language or teaching your child to beat you at chess, these small shared goals bring confidence back into family life.

Bring back the kitchen disco

We haven’t been to a concert since Cyrus was born, so our kitchen has become our stage. My husband, DJ H, takes the decks (our Alexa), and I handle choreography that could generously be described as “freestyle enthusiasm”.

We dance to everything, Persian pop, Turkish tunes, 80s hits, and the occasional modern-day chart track too. Ten minutes of dancing before dinner can fix almost any bad mood. Try it. You might surprise yourself.

Give something back

You don’t need a big gesture to make a difference. Drop off a food parcel, write a thank-you note, or even make pizzas for the birds in your garden. Kindness is contagious, and children notice far more than we think.

Take time to rest

It sounds simple, but it’s often the hardest resolution to keep. Between work, housework, and emotional labour (let’s be honest, mums often carry most of that), rest becomes something we “earn” rather than something we deserve.

This year, I’m reframing that. I light a candle, make a cup of herbal tea, and tell myself that being still is productive.

Be kind to yourself

If you’re overwhelmed by everyone’s “New Year, New Me” posts, switch off. The truth is, some years are about surviving, not thriving.

During lockdown, I discovered Gusto Organic’s Super DC drinks — blood orange, blackcurrant and elderberry. They’re vitamin-packed and have become my little go-to when I’m flagging.

Knowing that every woman I know is juggling, and persevering gives me strength because we’re all warriors in our own way.

“So this year, instead of chasing perfection, I’m choosing connection. Less ‘should’, more ‘could.’”