DENVER, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Use the start of 2010 to make a New Year's resolution to strengthen your family and the families around you. Pick an activity to do once a week with your family to focus on being together or to help others in your life. Here are some ideas from the American Humane Association:

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1. Game Night: Plan a weekly or monthly game night with your family - this might be a great opportunity to invite grandparents and other family members.
2. Check In: Check in on your neighbors once a week to see if they need anything.
3. Give Back: Donate your unused household items and clothes to a shelter for women and children.
4. Family Dinner: Cook at least one meal a week together as a family. Teach kids safe cooking techniques and easy recipes they can make themselves as they get older.
5. Meet Up: Have a weekly family meeting so everyone can check in and catch up.
6. One-on-One Time: Spend some time one-on-one with each child and do what each child chooses to do (coloring, playing with toys, going for a walk, etc.) -- away from grown-up distractions or other children in the family.
7. Crafts: Devote one night a week or month to crafts. Write silly stories, dress up in costumes, scrapbook or make a family collage together.
8. Outdoor Time: Spend at least one evening a week outside with the family. Go hiking, bird-watching, play ball, go to the park, or have a porch or backyard picnic.
9. Sharing: Once a week before dinner, go around the table and have each family member say what he or she loves best about each other.
10. Letters: Once a week, as a family, write a letter to grandparents, other family members, friends or neighbors to let them know you're thinking about them.

For more information about American Humane's Children's Division and programs please visit http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-children, find us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/americanhumane and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/americanhumane. The information contained in this release can be reused and posted with proper credit given to the American Humane Association.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane(R) Certified farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

SOURCE American Humane Association