By: Emily Johnson
As a naturally organized individual, I often set ambitious goals for myself. New Year’s resolutions are no exception. However, since embarking on my journey as a mother, I’ve come to realize that crafting resolutions that are achievable can be quite challenging. Children have a knack for derailing even the best-laid plans.
Not long ago, I stumbled upon a list of resolutions I created when I first became a mother, with my oldest child nearing his first birthday. Some of my lofty goals included, “Incorporate more whole foods into my diet and share them with my baby.” Another was, “Organize the baby’s toys twice daily, once post-lunch and again before bedtime.” You can guess how that turned out. My once-eager eater began to turn his nose up at anything that didn’t come from the bread aisle. And once he started walking and climbing, the few toys that created small messes turned into an explosion of chaos throughout the house.
Now, as a more seasoned and realistic mom, I’ve learned to avoid setting resolutions that are easy to break. I’ve realized that, in the grand scheme of things, achieving happiness for both myself and my kids outweighs the importance of perfect nutrition or a spotless home. Here are five simple resolutions that I believe I can stick to—and that my children will appreciate as well:
1. Embrace Laughter
I’ve discovered that a good sense of humor is essential for navigating parenthood. While there are moments that demand seriousness, most situations can benefit from a little laughter. For instance, my 4-year-old has a habit of stripping down to his diaper as soon as we walk through the door, only to refuse to get dressed again when it’s time to head out. These antics can be infuriating, yet they are often so absurd that they leave me laughing. Just the other day, he decided to toss his clothes onto Grandma’s dining table the moment we arrived. How can you not chuckle at that?
2. Increase Physical Affection
It’s often said that we should hug our kids more, and it’s true! However, in the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget to connect physically. Recently, I noticed that my 9-year-old began to withdraw. He would come home, play video games, and retreat into his own world. I realized that I was often shouting orders from afar instead of engaging him. So, I made a point of sitting with him, wrapping my arms around him, and speaking softly. This small change has rekindled our connection and served as a reminder of the importance of physical touch.
3. Reduce Self-Judgment
The so-called “mommy wars” often cause us to judge one another, but we can be our own harshest critics. I frequently catch myself in this cycle. Just yesterday, I realized I hadn’t showered in nearly a week. Instead of laughing it off (as I should have), I spiraled into negative self-talk. Why not lighten up, recognize that life can be overwhelming, and just take that shower? Moms need to give themselves grace; we’re all doing the best we can under challenging circumstances.
4. Lower Expectations and Welcome the Chaos
I’ve come to accept that Mondays are typically rough. The early morning rush and long days lead to cranky kids—and cranky mom. I’ve decided that on Mondays, I won’t expect perfection. I won’t over-schedule or aim for gourmet meals. Instead, I focus on simply surviving the day. Once I adjusted my expectations, Mondays became infinitely more manageable. Parenting often hinges on our expectations; if we anticipate our kids to hit milestones based on what others have achieved, we set ourselves up for disappointment. It’s vital to allow for their unique timelines and embrace the inevitable chaos.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
As many moms can relate, my life revolves around my children. While it’s natural to devote time to their needs, neglecting my own self-care makes me less effective as a parent. It’s crucial to carve out time for activities that rekindle my sense of self—like running alone with music blasting in my ears. I aim for three runs a week, even if it means waking up early or asking my partner to handle dinner. Though perfection is unattainable, creating these goals can help me maintain balance.
In conclusion, these resolutions may not be flawless, but they are grounded in the realities of motherhood. And if all else fails, I can at least aim to shower more than once a week!
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Keyphrase: Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Moms
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