pizzaI never make New Year's Resolutions. It always seemed pretty ridiculous to me. Setting goals is one thing, but doing it only because it's the first day of the year? That just seemed lame.

For years, the only resolution I would make is that I don't make New Year's Resolutions.

But this year, I got to thinking. (Finally, I know!) I'm a dad. And there is always room for improvement in everyone's life. Are there things I'd like to do better as a father to my two boys? Absolutely!

So I decided to make a list of New Year's Resolutions for Dads everywhere. And yeah, if I'm lucky, I'll get through half this list before breaking any of these.

Teach my kids the humility of losing - When the kids go to bed every night, I'm going to practice my ass off on the Pokemon card game so I can finally beat the little monsters.

Learn the virtue of patience - It's not just kids that need to learn patience. Whether teaching them how to ride a bike or helping them with their homework, take a breath and remember what it was like when you were a kid. Remember, you're a teacher, as well as a parent.

Follow a healthier diet - It's time to definitely cut down on all those McDonald's and pizza trips. That goes for the kids too.

Unplug more - You'll have plenty of time commuting or sitting in doctors' offices to finish that game of Angry Birds. Try to leave the electronics for your alone time, and do something with your kids that doesn't require charging.

Read more - Reading with your kids is pretty magical. Set up a regular reading time where the whole family takes turns reading a chapter aloud. Or just read the same book as your kids, so you can start your own little Book Club and discuss it. No, Sports Illustrated does not count.

Hug the Earth - Recycling is pretty common these days. But explore more ways to help conserve the Earth's resources, and drive home the point to your kids that we should help this planet out as much as we can.

Volunteering - Compassion and selflessness are two powerful emotions that we can only hope our kids embrace at an early age. Find a local animal shelter, old age home, or even a Meals on Wheels-type program and volunteer both of your time. It'll show your kids that volunteering is important and give you something really special to bond over.

Back to school - If Rodney Dangerfield could do it, so can you. Well, okay, I'm not talking about actually going back to finish your degree. I'm saying to take a day off of work to go into your kid's school for one of their plays, recitals, class parties, or even their birthday.

As a parent, what do you want to do in 2013?

 

Photo via Kanko*/Flickr