As a natural planner, I often set ambitious goals for the New Year, but since becoming a mom, I’ve realized it’s essential to be realistic. Kids have a knack for turning my best-laid plans upside down. Reflecting on my early days of motherhood, I stumbled upon a list of resolutions I made when my first child was just about a year old. Among them were intentions like, “Eat healthier and serve nutritious meals to my baby,” and “Organize the toys twice a day.”
Needless to say, those goals went out the window as soon as my baby decided mashed peas were off the menu and began turning the house into a toy explosion zone the moment he started walking.
Now, as a more seasoned and pragmatic mom, I’ve learned to set manageable goals that everyone, especially my kids, can appreciate. Here are five resolutions I think I can stick to:
1. Laugh More
Parenthood is a wild ride, and humor is the best survival tool. There are certainly serious moments, but most of the time, laughter is the remedy. My toddler’s antics, like stripping down to his diaper the moment we walk through the door, can be both maddening and utterly hilarious. Instead of getting frustrated, I’ve learned to chuckle at the absurdity of it all. The other day, he even threw his clothes on Grandma’s dining table! These moments deserve a good laugh.
2. Hug More
We all know we should hug our kids more often, but in the chaos of daily life, it’s easy to forget. Recently, I noticed my 9-year-old becoming more withdrawn. After realizing I was often yelling from across the house, I began to take the time to sit down next to him and envelop him in a hug. It’s made a world of difference. Physical affection is powerful, even for older kids.
3. Judge Less
We often hear about the “mommy wars,” but our harshest critics can be ourselves. Just the other day, I hadn’t showered in over a week. Instead of laughing it off and acknowledging the chaos of motherhood, I let negative thoughts swirl in my head. It’s crucial to be kinder to ourselves. After all, we’re all navigating this journey with our unique challenges, and it’s okay to cut ourselves some slack.
4. Lower Expectations and Embrace the Chaos
Mondays can be tough. I’ve accepted that my kids and I are often grumpy after the weekend. So, I’ve decided to lower my expectations for these days. I don’t plan elaborate meals or expect perfect behavior. Just getting through Mondays is my goal. By adjusting my mindset, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in stress. Parenting is about adjusting expectations to fit reality and accepting that things might be a bit chaotic.
5. Prioritize Self-Care
As moms, it’s easy to put our kids first and forget about ourselves. However, taking care of our own needs is crucial for our well-being. For me, that means carving out time for activities that recharge me, like running. Not the jog with a stroller kind, but a solo run where I can enjoy my music and clear my mind. My goal is to hit the pavement three times a week, even if that means asking my partner to handle dinner occasionally.
While perfection is an unrealistic expectation in parenting, these resolutions feel attainable. And if nothing else, I can aim to shower more than once a week!
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In summary, motherhood is a journey filled with ups and downs, and setting achievable resolutions can make a world of difference. Embracing laughter, connection, and self-care, while lowering expectations, can lead to a more fulfilling parenting experience.