Here are 5 great tips to help any parent and family make the most out of 2009 from Nick Friedman, Editor in Chief of Scholastic Parent & Child magazine:
1. Resolve to Read More
Kids love stories. Kids love to have stories read to them. The more often you can snuggle together over a storybook-even before your child has uttered her first word-the more you foster closeness. Reading also encourages literacy. Contrary to popular belief, tweens still like to have Mom and Dad read aloud. This also applies to parents, as they are their child’s best reading role-model.

2. Resolve to Laugh More
Learning to see the lighter side of life can save your sanity. You can impart this wisdom to your children early on by acting silly with them, by telling them funny stories, laughing at your own mistakes, and even letting your pint-sized pals laugh at you every once in a while.

3. Resolve to Let Them Play More

Children learn more easily and profoundly through play than they do through instruction-they’re born that way. When you allow your child the space to just be a kid in this busy (and over-structured) world of ours, you foster his imagination, creativity, and happiness.

4. Resolve to Support Smarts More
A lifetime love of learning begins at home as you are your child’s first teacher. Set an example by being inquisitive yourself, by researching why the sky is blue so you prepared for when he asks, and by having “classroom” materials on hand like blocks, books, puzzles, and games.

5. Resolve to Be Patient More

Parenting is the toughest job on Earth. Holding it together isn’t always easy. When you feel you’re about to lose it-and maybe say something you might regret-consider whether you, as the parent is the one who needs the time out. Count to 10. And try not to feel guilty-every parent says the wrong thing once in a while. (Kids will give you a second chance.)