Wow, 2013 is almost over and 2014 is upon us. Now is the time for New Years resolutions. Now is the time to make resolutions that will help build a stronger, happier, and healthier family. For me there was so much I wanted to do with my family that I did not. However, it is not important to dwell about the past but look to 2008 with optimism and excitement. If you failed on resolutions in the past, make smaller ones that can be easily accomplished and build on those successes. Keep a list of your resolutions and small steps you will take to make them happen. Talk about your resolutions with your family, and have your spouse or kids help hold you accountable to those resolutions! In fact, everyone in the family should participate and hold each other accountable. For me there is nothing more powerful then my five year old looking at me in the eyes and reminding me what I had promised to do! Here are some resolutions for mom and dad to think about, and if your kids are old enough have them join in and come up with some New Years resolutions on their own. Resolutions for Moms
Moms are the lifeline and heart of the family home. They cook the meals, wash the clothes, clean the house, help with homework, shuttle kids to and from school events, and most likely hold a part time job. If mom gets sick, it throws the entire house into a panic. This doesn’t have to be the situation.
1. “I will enlist the aid of my family.” There are times when moms can become overworked rather easily. To get everything done, moms have to be in control. This matter of control can backfire when she gets tired. If mom feels that it won’t be done right unless she does it, then she will always be stressed out. Asking for help from another family member is an opportunity for sharing that benefits both people. When the little one tells mom at the last minute that they need fifty cupcakes for the next day, let them help. The child learns how to make cupcakes and mom doesn’t have to handle the load alone.
2. “I will begin a fitness program.” Whether you work outside the home or stay at home with the kids, exercise is a hard thing to schedule. For a mom, schedules are the glue that holds each day together. Just like meetings, parties, and sports practices are put on the calendar, put your workout time on the calendar too. Regular time to workout that is uninterrupted helps to decrease stress. Moms get to mull over their day while on the treadmill. Invest in Fitness Streaming services and an mp3 player and listen to soothing tunes while you workout. Exercise increases strength, stamina, and oxygen to the brain. You will be more focused and calm throughout the rest of the day.
3. “I will talk to my kids.” This seems like an odd resolution, but when the mind is cluttered with a hundred other things, talking is not a high priority. Mom may be picking up the kids from school on her way to the grocery store, and then back home to cook dinner before the PTA meeting. No one has time to connect and discuss their day. Use any available minute to ask your kids how their day was. If the schedule is the problem, cut something out to make time for healthy conversation where everyone is paying attention to each other.
I think a lot of parents also need to realize that they need to let their children be. Not to say that they don’t need any guidance or that they should be 100% free to do whatever they want. It’s also about learning the difference between true acceptance and resignation.