5 New Year’s Resolutions to Keep Parents & Students on Track in 2026 

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the unstructured time during winter break, the New Year can bring mixed emotions for parents: excitement about a new semester, relief at the return to normal, and overwhelm about setting and meeting New Year’s resolutions. 

The start of 2026 is the perfect time to set the tone for the year, not by trying to do everything perfectly, but by building lasting, healthy habits. 

1. Access the Smartphone Apps

Hoosier College and Career Academy (HCCA) primarily uses digital communication tools to connect with our students and their families. Canvas is our primary tool for keeping parents, guardians, and families informed about everything from asynchronous school days to grade updates. 

To Do: Make sure your account is set up. If you have any questions about Canvas or are having difficulties logging in, reach out to an HCCA Community Engagement Specialist or HCCA staff member. 

2. Schedule Alarms to Stay on Track

Calendar reminders are easy to miss or dismiss during a busy day. Alarms, on the other hand, cut through the noise of the day. 

To Do: Set a daily alarm to remind you to read school communications, respond to teachers’ emails, or review your child’s homework. Repetition will help these actions become part of your daily routine.

3. Build Healthy Lifestyle Habits 

Healthy habits do more than impact your child’s school performance; they can have a positive effect on the whole family. Getting good sleep, eating balanced meals, and staying active sets everyone up to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Research even links regular family dinners to better health and stronger academic performance. 

To Do: Pick one habit to focus on per week, like everyone going to bed on time, and build from there. 

4. Set up Support Systems 

A reliable support system can make a big difference in your child’s education. With their enrollment at HCCA, you have the opportunity to join our Learning Coach Corner, where parents and guardians connect and share tips. 

To Do: Check out HCCA’s Learning Coach Corner and see if it’s a helpful resource for you. 

5. Think Positive 

Practice positivity to support your child’s academic performance, build resilience, and boost their mental and emotional well-being. A Stanford University study found that a positive attitude toward math improves the brain’s memory center function and can affect a child’s performance in the subject. 

To Do: Practice simple habits together each day by encouraging your child to list good things that happened throughout the day or reciting positive affirmations. 

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by setting New Year’s Resolutions that try to tackle everything you want to improve at once. Instead, take small, intentional steps together with your child to build a routine. Start with these to-do items and build from there. You’ll be well on your way to making 2026 your family’s best one yet! 

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