As 2026 approaches, a coalition of UK family charities and parenting experts has issued a series of practical New Year resolutions designed to foster happiness and security within households. The advice focuses on making small, meaningful adjustments to daily life, emphasising that thoughtful actions often contribute more to a child's welfare than grand gestures.
Prioritising Connection and Safety
Louise Burke, editorial director at Netmums, urges parents to simplify. She suggests letting go of guilt and comparison to focus on core family joys like laughter and peaceful bedtimes. This shift, she argues, can make family life feel lighter.
On emotional support, Jen Coates from Sands highlights the critical need for compassion around pregnancy and baby loss. She encourages people to use the baby's name, ask how parents are, and help break the silence that often leads to isolation.
Regarding digital safety, Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet, calls for a rethink of the first smartphone. She recommends considering simpler devices or controlled set-ups that match a child's developmental stage, rather than accepting a 'full-fat' smartphone as the only option.
Katrina Phillips, CEO of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, advises vigilance with toys, particularly those bought cheaply online. She warns against water beads, small magnets, and toys with accessible button batteries due to severe ingestion risks.
Fostering Wellbeing and Rights
To combat January's negative body image messaging, Umairah Malik of Beat encourages families to champion body positivity, have open conversations, and avoid diet talk.
Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families, stresses the importance of parents knowing their rights. She urges them to seek help from charities to check benefits and to contact legal services if facing issues with workplace flexibility for caring responsibilities.
Anna Feuchtwang from the National Children's Bureau asks adults caring for the over 100,000 children in the UK care system to pay close attention. This involves listening, offering real choices, and making small, personal changes to their world.
Health, Sleep, and Being Heard
For physical health, Dr Nigel Carter of the Oral Health Foundation recommends reducing the frequency of sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes only to protect family teeth.
Vicki Beevers from The Sleep Charity links diet to rest, suggesting affordable, sleep-friendly foods like bananas, oats, and tinned lentils to aid melatonin production.
Barry Laker of Childline London emphasises the power of listening. He recommends creating a safe space for children to discuss anything, from online safety to mental wellbeing, with no topic off-limits.
Finally, Daniella Abraham from NCT highlights the value of community connection for new parents, suggesting simple acts like calling a friend who recently had a baby to ease isolation and build resilience.
