As a natural planner, I often find myself setting ambitious goals for the New Year. However, since stepping into motherhood, it’s become quite the challenge to craft resolutions that I can realistically uphold. Kids have a knack for derailing even the best intentions.
Reflecting on my past resolutions from when my first child was nearly one, I chuckle at the lofty aspirations I had. I aimed for things like “Incorporate more whole foods into our meals” and “Tidy up the kids’ toys twice daily.” Spoiler alert: those plans quickly fell apart. My little one, once a fan of mashed peas, soon turned into a picky eater who only craved bread. And once he started walking, the scattered toys morphed into a full-blown disaster zone.
Now that I’m a more seasoned and realistic mom, I’ve learned to avoid setting myself up for failure with unachievable goals. Instead, I’ve discovered that prioritizing joy and connection is far more important than achieving perfection. Here are five simple yet impactful resolutions that I believe I can stick to—and that my kids will love:
1. Embrace Laughter
Parenthood is a wild ride, and humor is essential for survival. Sure, there are serious moments to address, but most days, a good laugh is the best remedy. My three-year-old’s habit of stripping down the moment we step into the house may be infuriating, but it’s also downright funny. Just last night, he decided to shed his clothes at Grandma’s, leaving a hilarious mess on her dining table. You’ve got to find the humor in these moments!
2. Increase Affection
The age-old advice to hug your kids is spot on. However, in the hustle of daily life, it can be easy to overlook those moments of connection. Recently, I noticed my eight-year-old pulling away. Instead of shouting from the other room, I started sitting with him and giving him a hug while we talked. This small gesture has made a significant difference in our relationship, reminding me of the powerful bond that physical touch can foster.
3. Reduce Self-Judgment
The “mommy wars” often make us our own worst critics. Just yesterday, I realized I hadn’t showered in almost a week—a new personal record! Instead of laughing it off, I let self-criticism take over. Why is it so hard for us to cut ourselves some slack? We’re navigating a whirlwind of responsibilities, and it’s essential to remember that we’re all doing our best. Let’s drop the negative self-talk and embrace the chaos of motherhood.
4. Lower Expectations and Accept the Chaos
I’ve come to accept that Mondays are going to be rough. The early mornings and long days leave everyone cranky. So now, I set the bar low: I don’t expect perfection, I don’t plan elaborate meals, and I focus on just surviving the day. By lowering my expectations, I’ve found that Mondays feel less overwhelming. This mindset applies to all aspects of parenting—understanding that every child develops at their own pace can save you from unnecessary stress.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
It’s easy to get lost in the demands of motherhood, but self-care is vital. I’ve recognized that neglecting my own needs makes me less effective in caring for my kids. For me, this means carving out time to run solo, away from the chaos. I aim for three runs a week, even if it means waking up early or asking my partner to handle dinner. Nurturing our own well-being allows us to be better parents in the long run.
Parenting isn’t perfect, and neither are New Year’s resolutions. However, these achievable goals can help foster a more joyful and fulfilling experience for myself and my family. And hey, at the very least, I can aim to get more than one shower in a week!
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. For those looking to explore at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reputable kits for your convenience. And for comprehensive information on intrauterine insemination, visit the NHS website.
Summary
As a mom, setting realistic New Year’s resolutions can be transformative. From embracing laughter and affection to lowering expectations and prioritizing self-care, these achievable goals can enhance both your well-being and your family’s happiness.
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