Before becoming a parent, the New Year had a completely different vibe. New Year’s Eve used to be a night of socializing, maybe sipping on a few cocktails, all without the worry of a tiny human waking you up at 5 AM, demanding pancakes. You might have made resolutions focused on travel, diving into classic literature, or starting a rigorous workout regimen.
Sure, you could still aim for those goals as a parent, but let’s be honest. With little ones constantly needing your attention, cooking yourself a separate meal of kale and quinoa is a pipe dream. After a long day at work filled with the evening chaos of baths, dinners, and bedtime, squeezing in a gym session feels nearly impossible. Nowadays, your resolutions likely revolve around not losing your cool or, perhaps, limiting your wine intake (though let’s keep it real—maybe that last one is negotiable).
Parenthood transforms everything; while some changes are delightful, others can be a struggle. Thankfully, the witty parents of Twitter have shared their relatable thoughts on ringing in the New Year with kids.
- Surprise!
Amid the excitement of holiday break, some of us forget to check those backpacks before stashing them away for ten days. That means discovering a sad, neglected banana and a Go-Gurt from December 23rd. Happy New Year, indeed! - Kids Don’t Care About Hangovers.
Your kids certainly don’t care about the four glasses of wine you enjoyed last night. It’s morning, and they expect you to be up and ready for action—unless you want your kitchen to resemble a raccoon convention. - This Year Will Be Different.
While you’re setting resolutions to improve yourself in 2016, your kids? They’re just focused on the same old antics. New year, same old chaos. Sigh. - If We Can’t Enjoy Ourselves, Neither Can You!
Remember when loud noises outside didn’t drive you to madness? That was before you spent an hour soothing a baby to sleep, only to have rowdy teens ruin it with their “celebratory” fireworks. It’s not like they’re going to come over and help you settle your child back to sleep! *deep breaths* - It’s the Thought That Counts.
If your New Year’s resolutions don’t include a commitment to patience, you probably aren’t a parent. We all try, but by January 2nd, we’re already slipping when the kids start bickering over their toys. Don’t be too hard on yourself! - Forever Young (At Heart).
Even with kids in tow, many parents still feel like kids themselves. But this year will be different! Or maybe next year. Yes, next year sounds perfect. *unpauses Mario Kart* - New Year, Fewer Friends.
Handing your phone to your child in an effort to get through the checkout line peacefully might just end up erasing all your contacts. But hey, who has the time to chat anyway? - The Timeless Parenting Puzzle.
Perhaps it’s time to accept that functioning on coffee and fruit snacks is the new normal. - Share Your Secrets, Please.
If you’ve figured out how to manage all this, please let us in on the secret. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to share it with Target! - Let’s Be Real.
Happy New Year, fellow parents!
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In summary, the New Year brings a mix of nostalgia and reality for parents, as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children. While resolutions may be more practical and focused on patience and sanity, the humor in shared experiences keeps everyone laughing through the chaos.