It’s fair to say that parenting is the hardest job in the world – that was true in 1805 and will be true in 2025. Every New Year, though, those of us who are parents have a new opportunity to do our “hardest” job just a little better, with a few resolutions.
So here are 6 New Year’s resolutions every mom should make for a stronger, healthier and more beautiful family life!
1. Resolve to put your children first in 2015 – I know, I know, it’s not what you wanted to hear. After all, who wants to start off the New Year focusing on someone else’s needs – even our own children’s? But the research is clear that everything we do as parents has a dramatic impact on our children’s brains and on their future. Children are like sponges, and before long, they ‘re adults. So invest in them now because every positive thing you do for them today, is one less thing you’ll have to do for them tomorrow.
2. Promise to make more time for yourself – Putting your children’s needs first doesn’t mean you have to come in dead last. Every week you should take time for you. So the question is, how do you do it?
Set out a designated “me time” every week (whether an hour or full day), and stick to it. Enlist the help of family or pay a babysitter to take the kids out – to the museum, the zoo, or to grandma’s house. Just take them somewhere (somewhere safe of course) so you can more time for yourself, to have lunch with friends or with your partner or simply to watch tv uninterrupted.
3. Commit to sprucing up your personal style – I’m a mom of triplets. So I know a thing or two about being a busy mom. And when you’re a busy mom, it’s easy to let your personal appearance fall by the wayside (*raises hand*). Since becoming a mom, I have worn more than my fair share of ponytails (not the stylish kind) and I’ve even gone out with my shirt on inside-out. Sigh… and no one told me.
Anyway, it’s a new year and new opportunity for us to re-claim our style and step things up. So go out and get a new haircut or buy yourself some new clothes even if you have to splurge a little, for a fresher and more stylish look.
4. Make 2015 A Year Of Saving – Try and find at least 3 or 4 places to cut back on – that will reduce your daily spending. Here are a few tricks that I use, that might help you
– instead of putting premium gas in your car every fill up, do it every other fill up. Car experts agree, it won’t affect your car negatively.
– Only buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. They cost a lot less than those out-of season. It’s also better for the environment.
– Turn the thermostat down an extra couple of degrees at night. Each degree you lower will save you 3% on your heating bill.
– Take your lunch to work. It’s healthier and cheaper.
5. Commit to learning in 2015 – Americans are reading less and less every year, even though reading is one of the key vehicles to personal growth and development. So to be a better mom, commit to reading more this year. Some books I think are must-reads for parents are: The Smartest Kids In the World and How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley, Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and How Children Succeed by Paul Tough.
6. Live life and be more positive – Thankfully we all made it to 2015, but tomorrow is promised to no one. Do something bold this year, whether that means doing more for your kids, working on your appearance or that degree you’ve been thinking about. The point is to do something meaningful that will help you get more out of life.
Most importantly though, make the decision in 2015 to be happy. No matter where you are in your journey –with your life goals, parenting goals or New Year’s resolutions, resolve to be happy. It will better your mood, outlook, and your relationship with others especially your relationship with your kids. So smile more, stress less and love the life you’re living right now while working hard to make it better. Happy New Year!
Notoya Green is an on-air parenting expert and mother of three-year-old triplets. A former law attorney, Notoya put her law career on hold to become a stay-at-home mom to care full-time for her children. She now shares her experiences at Triplets in Tribeca.