Digital Resolutions For The Whole Family

Let’s be honest, this time of year, the word resolutions hits people in all kinds of ways. Some of us cringe. Some of us think about the goals we made last year that didn’t exactly pan out. And some of us don’t even bother anymore. I get it. “Resolutions” gets tossed around so much in January that it starts sounding like elevator music, always playing, rarely inspiring.

And hey, maybe you don’t feel like anything needs fixing. That’s totally fair. But let me throw something at you. What if you made one simple New Year’s resolution that didn’t just make your own life better, but actually helped your kids, too? Got your attention now, right?

The Resolutions That I Am Talking About

To sweeten the deal even more, these resolutions has absolutely nothing to do with going to the gym or changing your diet. You’re welcome! What I’m talking about is this, changing up the way we use our phones and tablets. Our kids watch everything we do. When they see us build a healthier relationship with our screens, they learn to do the same. And those small habits we model? They turn into lifelong ones.

So I reached out to a few dads who were willing to share their own digital “resolutions”, what they’ve changed, how it’s helped, and why they stick with it.

A Resolution That Actually Made a Difference

Before we jump into their tips, I want to share one thing my family has done for years now. We eat dinner together. Every night. There are real conversations, real eye contact and no phones allowed. We go around the table and talk about our day, what was good, what was tough, and everything in between. No buzzing, no notifications, no one sneaking a look under the table. It’s just us.

And when we go out to dinner? Same rule. Phones stay in pockets. We laugh. We tell stories. We reconnect. In a world where everyone is stretched thin and running from one activity to the next, that little window of time is sacred for us. One of my daughter’s teachers once told her our family sounds “traditional” because of this routine. Honestly? I take that as a badge of honor. Listening to one another shouldn’t feel old-school, it should be normal. And I hope my kids carry this into their own families someday.

Dads Share Their Digital Resolutions

Huge thanks to the dads who sent in their own stories. Here are a few of their digital changes that made a real impact, not just for them, but for their families too.

Brian: “Setting daily limits on certain apps was a game changer. I used to justify all my scrolling because I had a long train ride into the city. Once those limits kicked in, I needed something else to fill the time. I started reading, actual books! Sports biographies. It helped me unwind from work instead of staying glued to TikTok and email. By the time I got home, I was way more present as a husband and dad. Time limits work.”

Dustin: “I was the king of alerts. My phone was constantly dinging, work, fantasy football, stock updates. It never stopped. One Saturday, my kids made a video of me checking scores nonstop. Watching it back was a punch to the gut. I shut off almost all notifications right after that. Those dings were stealing time from my family, and I didn’t even realize it.”

Kevin: “I’m a night owl, and my phone wasn’t helping. I’d scroll late into the night and then wonder why I couldn’t fall asleep. So I started leaving my phone across the room. I’d read a magazine or talk with my wife instead. My body actually learned how to wind down again. We now have a rule: the kids’ phones stay downstairs at night too. They sleep better and have way more energy in the morning. My advice? No screens before bed. It really works.”

Let OurPact Be Your Family’s Digital Trainer

Along with these dad-tested tips, there’s one more thing that can make your family’s digital resolutions actually stick: OurPact. OurPact is basically your family’s digital coach. It helps everyone build healthier routines, and when old habits try sneaking back in, it helps you hit reset without the battle. Their whole mission? Give parents simple tools that create balance, connection, and online safety.

If you’re serious about sticking to digital resolutions this year, OurPact can make it happen.Head to ourpact.com and try out the Premium+ features instantly, no credit card needed for the first 7 days. If you love it, you can then start your 14-day free trial by adding your card. That’s 21 days, right in the sweet spot for forming a brand-new habit.