Parent to Parent: New Year's Resolution

WSVN -- Goodbye 2006, and hello New Year. 2007 has already brought big changes for the Hernandez family with the addition of 1-month-old Lexi.

That's why this year om Jeannette is setting a new goal.

Lynn Martinez: "What is the one thing you want to change for the year?"

Jeannette Hernandez: "I think that our lives are dictated by our schedules, o what I would like to do is just take some time off, turn off the cell phones, drive to a park, have a picnic and just relax and enjoy the outdoors."

Big sister and American Idol fan Nina has a New Year's Resolution too.

Lynn Martinez: "That could sort of be a New Year's Resolutions, to start singing or continue singing."

Nina: "Continue singing and continue dancing, ballet, jazz, hip-hop and karate."

No matter what your New Year's Resolution is, 7 Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says this is a great time to work on a goal as a family.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "It's a great time to sit around with your family and say, 'OK, what did we do last year that worked, and what did we do last year that didn't work so well, and what do we need to change this year.'"

Start by setting a goal, talk to your children about it, and then make sure they know their new responsibility and what you expect from them.

But, parents, do not just expect your kids to automatically know what to do.

You have to teach them first, then step back and let them handle it.

If they do not do it, let them face the consequences. For instance, if they start a paper or homework late.

Dr. Valerie: "You are not going to criticize the child. That child knows that next time they have a choice that they can either start it on time or again be under the gun, but maybe they will figure out a way to get that paper in themselves."

Do not continually remind your child of their goal.

Instead, be honest.

Do not pretend they are doing something good if they're not but do acknowledge the small steps.

And most importantly, be patient.

Dr. Valerie: "It does not happen overnight. These are habits that as parents have taken years to develop bad habits their children did not develop their bad habits overnight either, and it should be something they are criticized or judged for not being perfect."

Nina is already practicing for her shot on American Idol.

In the meantime, she and her family are trying to spend more time enjoying the little things in life together.

Lynn Martinez: "Anything else that you wish for your family?"

Jeannette Hernandez: "I would like to be able to take more vacations and just spend a lot of time together."

Dr. Valerie says the New Year is also a good time to instill a healthier lifestyle, so you may want to try something like eliminating sodas or adding more vegetables to your family's diet.