Another year is here, and you are probably one of two types of people: a resolution maker or a non-resolution maker. Personally, I fall firmly into the resolution maker camp. I love setting goals, reflecting on where I can improve, and starting fresh when a new year rolls around.
This year, I decided to focus those goals on one area of my life that matters most: parenting. These are my personal parenting resolutions and the small, meaningful ways I hope to show up better for my family in the year ahead.
New Year’s Parenting Resolutions I’m Working On
These are the small, realistic parenting resolutions I’m focusing on this year, not to be perfect, but to be more present and intentional at home.
1. Worry less and play more
Who cares if my house is magazine-perfect or a perfect mess? We’re making memories here, people. Besides, eventually, we’ll get to it. (I’m looking at you, an overflowing pile of laundry.)
2. Cook real food
I’m not going to make any crazy promises I know I won’t keep —we probably won’t be having a homemade, all-organic, gluten-free meal every single night for dinner anytime soon. Still, I will try my very best to expand my family’s horizons (and palates) beyond just frozen pizza and spaghetti from a jar. And maybe even throw in a few more fruits and vegetables for extra credit.
3. Get outside
After living in Montana for the past four years (where it’s winter at least six months out of the year), this one is a no-brainer. Plus, my girls love being outdoors. Even if it’s just a quick walk to the neighborhood park and back. The dishes can always wait.
4. Take more pictures (with an actual camera)
As a blogger and photographer, I constantly take photos of other people and my projects. But for some reason, I have pretty much failed to take regular pictures of my daughters, except for a few random shots here and there on my iPhone. I am always scrambling at the last minute to get our Christmas card photos done. This ends now. My children probably wouldn’t be very impressed with the photos I took of their friends’ families if I didn’t bother to get any of us.
5. Be more organized
This one is one of my biggest parenting resolutions. Motherhood is hard work, but it doesn’t mean we must live in constant disorder and upheaval. And as for me, ladies and gentlemen, I have been the queen of both.
6. Take some time for me (and my sanity)
This year, I will take the time to get back into shape and not feel guilty about it. I’ll allow myself to enjoy my regularly scheduled hair appointments and not check my phone every 10 seconds to see if anyone needs me. Taking the time to enjoy myself will make me a better parent, and I will like myself more. I think that in the long run, my family will also. I’m no good to anyone when I’m constantly running on empty.
Related: The Importance of Me Time as a Mother
7. Stop saying “don’t” so often
For example, instead of saying, “Stop stealing all of your sister’s toys,” I will try to say something more positive, like, “Please be kind to your sister and share.” I will save the “don’ts” for the really big stuff. I don’t want to always come across as the bad guy. I want my kiddos to love and respect me — to feel they can come to me with any issues without fear of judgment or retaliation.
8. Spend more time with my husband
I struggle with this one. Life is crazy-busy. I work from home, am a full-time caregiver to our two adorable kiddos, and have a big problem saying no (but I’m working on it). I vow to reserve more energy and time to nurture our relationship. How else can it continue to grow? Perhaps it’s time we instituted those weekly date nights we’ve been talking about for all these years.
Related: Why Moms Need to Learn to Say No
9. Practice more patience
With myself, my children, my husband, and all those crazy people in my neighborhood who don’t know how to drive. Love you guys!
10. Put down the phone and other screens
I am so guilty of this. I have got to start modeling better digital habits for my kiddos. I’m checking out far too often, and it’s a real waste of precious time.
11. Listen more, speak less
12. Read more
This is a personal parenting resolution, but I’d also like to make a more conscious effort to read with my girls daily. I grew up loving to read. I want to foster this same appreciation for the written word in them.
13. Judge less, support more
I’m talking about other parents here. I don’t consider myself judgmental, but we all have areas for improvement.
14. Improve our daily routine
I will be honest. We really haven’t had a routine, per se, for the past couple of months. Since moving back to Texas, we’ve been flying by the seat of our pants. But this ends now. Kids love structure. Moms love structure. It’s basically a win-win.
15. Get everyone helping around the house with age-appropriate tasks
I want to raise helpful, resourceful, and self-reliable adults. That training begins now with age-appropriate chores. And I take my job very seriously.
As the year unfolds, I know I will not follow every resolution perfectly. But that is not the point. Parenting is about showing up, learning as we go, and giving ourselves grace along the way. If nothing else, I hope these resolutions remind you that small changes can make a meaningful difference.
