5 Practical New Year’s Resolutions for Moms That Are Actually Achievable

As a naturally optimistic planner, I love the idea of setting New Year’s resolutions. But since entering motherhood, I’ve discovered that coming up with goals I can realistically stick to is much trickier than it used to be. Little ones have a unique talent for turning the best-laid plans into chaos!

Recently, I stumbled upon a list of resolutions I made when my first child, Max, was just about a year old. Some of my goals included “Eat healthier and introduce new foods to the baby” and “Organize the toys twice daily.” Spoiler alert: that didn’t go as planned. My baby, who once relished mashed peas, soon decided that only foods resembling white bread were acceptable. Before long, he was walking—and climbing—so the few toys scattered around morphed into a full-blown eruption of chaos throughout the house.

Now that I’ve gained a bit of wisdom and perspective, I’ve learned to set resolutions that are more manageable. I’ve realized that what truly matters is fostering a joyful environment for both me and my kids. So here are five down-to-earth New Year’s resolutions that I believe I can uphold, and that my kids will definitely appreciate:

1. Laugh More

Navigating parenthood without a sense of humor is almost impossible. Sure, there are serious moments, but often, it’s best to just chuckle at the absurdities. For example, my son, Max, loves to strip down to his diaper the moment we step inside the house, only to resist getting dressed again when it’s time to go out. The other day, he decided to shed his clothes right on his Grandma’s dining table! I mean, how can you not laugh?

2. Hug More

It’s common advice to “hug your kids,” but amidst the daily hustle, it can be easy to forget. I noticed my 10-year-old, Jake, becoming more withdrawn, often engrossed in his own world after school. To reconnect, I started to make a point of sitting with him and sharing a hug while we talked. It’s truly amazing how a simple gesture can strengthen our bond.

3. Judge Less

We often hear about “mommy wars,” but I think our harshest critics are ourselves. Just yesterday, I realized it had been almost a week since I last showered—yikes! Instead of laughing it off, I fell into a spiral of self-criticism. Why not just acknowledge the craziness of the week and take a moment for myself? Moms need to be kinder to themselves, allowing room for imperfections.

4. Lower Expectations and Embrace the Chaos

I’ve come to terms with the fact that Mondays are just tough. My kids are cranky, and so am I, so I’ve decided to lower my expectations for those days. No fancy meals or elaborate plans—just getting through the day with a little sanity intact. By shifting my perspective, I’ve found that Mondays have become much more manageable.

5. Make Self-Care a Priority

My life often revolves around my kids, which is natural when they’re young. However, it’s essential to carve out time for myself, too. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; for me, it’s about getting out for a run a few times a week—just me, my music, and the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement. That time helps me recharge and be the best mom I can be.

While achieving perfection in parenting is nearly impossible, I’m optimistic about these resolutions. And hey, if nothing else, I can at least aim for showering more than once a week, right? Here’s to a hopeful new year!

For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out this article. If you’re looking for resources on boosting fertility, Make a Mom is an excellent place to start, as is Facts About Fertility, which offers great information on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

In this article, Laura shares five realistic New Year’s resolutions for moms that focus on laughter, connection, self-compassion, and self-care. These goals aim to create a more enjoyable parenting experience while acknowledging the chaos that comes with raising children. By shifting expectations and embracing the journey, moms can find fulfillment and joy in their daily lives.