Many of us look to the beginning of another calendar year as an opportunity to think of ways to better ourselves and our lives in the year ahead.

Many parents find that their own or their children's schedules leave them feeling frazzled and cheated of true quality time spent with loved ones. Waiting until things "slow down" to spend quality time with loved ones makes as much sense as filling your gas tank only on Saturdays, even if it reads "EMPTY" by Wednesday morning.

Connecting daily with your child: Predictable "check-ins" with parents go a long way to supporting a child's sense of stability. Make a point to sit down at a table for family dinner each night, even if it only lasts 20 minutes – not only is this where children learn important social skills (ex: table manners, conversational skills, taking an interest in others) but they also come to understand and believe that you value family time. If possible, maintain a "goodnight" routine that includes some quiet talking or reading together after your child is tucked into bed.

Grown-up time: Make a regular date night (weekly or bi-monthly) to stay connected with your romantic partner. Get together with friends on at least a monthly basis. If you have become disconnected from adults outside your home, start or join a monthly club related to something that interests you (ex: books, knitting, car repair, anything!)

Time spent alone: At a minimum, take a daily 15-minute break from being someone's parent/spouse/employee/etc. and make time for YOU! Take a walk down the street, read a chapter of a book, put some music on and dance around your bedroom – do whatever moves you, feeds your soul, and reconnects you with a sense of yourself.

Create the time you need. Although our schedules are often skewed to meet work demands above all else, it is our relationships that truly sustain us and make life worthwhile. Creating time to nourish our relationships with our loved ones and with ourselves must be a priority if we are to achieve a sense of balance, purpose, and satisfaction that money cannot buy.