Every January, I do the same thing.
I write down goals. I feel very responsible about it.
And then… I promptly forget about everything I wrote.
Fast forward a year, and something surprising happens when I go to hunt down my notes… and I realize that, actually, I got much closer than I ever thought I would to those written goals. Turns out, there’s a scientific reason behind that, one we’re going to use to our advantage this week.
With only one day until the start of a new year, it’s a time for reflection, and honestly, that bittersweet realization that time.is.passing. That saying, “The days are long, but the years are short” never feels more true than this week (plus birthdays). But as working parents, it’s often rare that we slow down enough to mark a moment instead of racing through it.
So, this week isn’t about fixing systems or optimizing routines.
This week is about intention. (Including the intention to download your free gift included below if you haven’t already!)
Next week, we’ll get tactical. Promise.
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🧘♀️ Use the Built-In Pause to Create a Simple Family Ritual
👉 Research shows that family rituals - even small ones - increase kids’ sense of security and strengthen connection. (You may have seen this trending on #parentIG like here or here) The rituals don’t have to be elaborate. They just need to be consistent and intentional.
Many families have January 1 off, so take advantage of this perfect time to create a ritual you can return to year after year.
Two easy options (you can do one or both):
Let Go (Dec 31): Write down what you’re leaving behind from the year. Worries, habits, frustrations. Burn it, rip it up, toss it. Keep it symbolic and brief.
Welcome In (Jan 1): Cinnamon rolls at home. A winter walk. A hike. A brunch picnic, even if it’s cold. Something that says: this is how we begin again.
🎒 Write Those Goals Down (Duh)
👉 This part isn’t revolutionary —> and that’s the point.
Decades of research show that writing goals down increases clarity, commitment, and follow-through. Structured prompts work better than blank pages. Shared goals help families move in the same direction.
For kids, we’ve made this easy.
Our goal + resolution checklist (in the Reset Playbook- scroll down to download for free!) gives them clear prompts so they’re not left wondering what a “goal” even is.
For parents, think in categories, not pressure. (Maybe over a glass of wine after bedtime?)
• One thing we want more of as a family
• One thing we’re ready to let go of
• One area we want to make easier this year
That’s already enough. Really.
Did you know? 🧃 JuiceBox is built by a tiny team of working parents just like you. We curate and write this stuff so you don’t have to but we’d LOVE for you to get in on the action.
💬 Got a time-saving tip or a chaos-fighting hack of your own? Hit reply and share it—we all need a village, and we’d love to hear from you.
👯♀️ Know a fellow parent who needs this? Forward away or hit this button:
💗 Use Identity-Based Encouragement All Year Long
👉 Another science-backed insight: kids stick with goals longer when encouragement focuses on who they are becoming, not just what they accomplish.
After you talk about goals, choose one simple identity-based message for your child and repeat it throughout the year (or even better, stick a post-it note somewhere you’ll both see it every day):
“You’re someone who keeps trying.”
“You’re learning how to practice.”
“You don’t give up easily.”
K that’s all. You’re the best and we love you.
-CK “Collector of Unused Annual Journals” Fuller (Editor) & the JB Crew 🫡
P.S. If your intentions include less stress and maybe free money, our $75 giveaway is still open through today. One click to enter→ simply download our free Reset Playbook above. No vision board required.