New Year features are always full of dietary advice and suggestions on how to pep up your sex life (not that we're suggesting that's a bad thing!) But here at Raisingkids we've taken a different approach and come up with a positive set of New Year resolutions - with a family bias. Even if you manage to do just one of these in 2008 we reckon you deserve a pat on the back.

1. Walk It Out
Make this the year you walk to school at least some of the time. It's great exercise and sometimes that 15 minutes walking with your children is the perfect time to have a proper chat with them in a busy day. To read about more of its benefits click here.

2. Be My Friend?
Now's the time to befriend another parent. Ever seen someone looking lost at the school gate or at playgroup. In the spirit of 'what goes around, comes around' improve your karma by making a new friend.

3. In Banks We Trust
Find a bank account for your Child Trust Fund voucher. If you don't, the government will pick one for you and an astonishing 50% of parents end up using this default investment option. Click here to find out how to invest yours.

4. Table Talk
Get Back To The Table! By now, we probably all know how important sitting down to eat with our family is, but we still have problems making the time for it. Click here for ideas on finding the time for family meals.

5. Just Say No
Say no – and mean it. If there's anything that unites parents, it's knowing how many times we've sent mixed messages to our kids by caving on things we've previously insisted on. Let 2008 be the year you mean what you say!

6. Time Out
Make time for yourself. If you're taking care of everyone else – who's taking care of you? Even if it's only a few spare minutes in the day – don't forget to carve out time for yourself, whether it's a quick kip on the sofa or a long, hot bath (Don't forget to lock the door!)

7. Old Dog - New Tricks
Get the whole family involved in a new activity you can all learn together. Whether it's ice-skating, canoeing or painting – it's nice for the kids to see you learning beside them.

8. Praise The Horde
Praise the horde! Sometimes a few well-chosen words of praise can be a thousand times more effective than constant tellings-off. Click here for ways to make parenting a more positive experience all round.

9. Plan Ahead
Save yourself hundreds of pounds this year by planning meals before you do your monthly shop. Better still - buy in bulk where possible and freeze dishes for homemade ready meals. For loads more money-saving tips click here.

10. Enjoy Them
As anyone posting in our teenagers forum can tell you, the time between the day you come home from hospital with your newborn to the day they leave home goes all too quickly. Forget the housework, leave the washing up 'till later and go and play…

Happy New Year!

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