Yes, I said New Year's Mom Resolutions, and that's precisely what you and I need. New Year's Resolutions to bring change where change needs to happen.
It's a new year and well that's what we do right? We vow to make a change and then we stay committed all year! Have you said that before or is it just little 'ole me out here in my mom universe?
Haha, this year you and I can do it. I promise.
This year, I want to be the best version of myself. A less tired and more productive version of me.
But how do you get to that version, you ask?
I am happy to share with you the ten resolutions that I am focusing on this year.
Also, this post may contain some affiliate links (which means if you purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Click here for our full disclosure. Thank you!
Slowing down is an essential goal for everyone and not just moms.
We all need to slow down and enjoy life a little more. If you are always rushing to and from places, you will miss the little blessings being a mom has to offer.
I remember my mom saying to me, laundry will always be waiting, but your children won't be little forever. Moms, take note, your children will not stay small, and they won't always have time for you. Right now you are the center of their universe, but that will change.
I am a mother of a toddler, teens, and adult children. As an older mom, this time around, I have to face the regrets from the first set of children. I was so young and busy when my boys were young. I missed a lot because of being on the go all the time.
I didn't realize that all those things that captured my attention back then would not be relevant to me now. With Greyson, I am intentionally seeking his heart through quality time.
You have to learn to say no. You can't do everything for everyone.
Sometimes good things are not always good for you. Serving at church, volunteering on the PTA, and helping with events all are fantastic things, but if they are consuming your time, try to say no.
Budget your time wisely for the best return. If your primary goal as a mom is raising healthy and happy children who become stable adults, then figure out what's going to accomplish your goal.
I'm not saying you shouldn't do those things, however, don't do all those things. Be picky and be wise.
Take time to stop and listen to your children and each other.
The Bible says to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I genuinely believe this is a great tool to learn patience.
If you are anything like me, you are already freaking out in your head, based on what you think was said, before your child or spouse is ever done speaking.
Stop. Don't react. Learn to respond instead.
I need to slow my brain down and listen, not assume. Practicing Goal number one and Number two will also lead to goal number three.
Saying yes to everything and everyone will only create a constant rush in the home and a less patient parent.
A rushed, cranky parent creates a tense, sad child. Click To TweetI am a Christian and honestly believe in the power of God's word. * * We included (in our Free Download - New Year Mom Resolutions bundle) a Sheet of Verses about patience for you to commit to memory. When you want to freak out and yell, as we all do, replace those thoughts with a verse about patience. I promise it works.
You need to be more Intentional in all things. Be intentional with your husband, with your time, with each child individually and be more deliberate as a family.
These are my personal "Be more intentional" Goals for 2020 (edited for 2020
Greyson (toddler): Spend 20-30 every day doing what he loves to do (Nothing with a screen) Ie. Puzzles, games, playing with his superheroes. Whatever he loves! Read at least two books before nap and bedtime, no matter how rushed I feel. Listen to him when he speaks.
Lani (teen): Sit and listen to her when she talks to me (this is a goal for me with everyone!). Be more fun with her and laugh more. Have coffee dates with her two times a month. Be willing to listen to boy bands without smart remarks on my part.
Family: Make Monday family game night consistently. Once a month do something new as a family. Be willing to be spontaneous.
Do you find yourself doing the same ole thing on repeat? Let's create some bucket lists this year and do some new and exciting things.
2018 was that year for me. I have always dreamt of having a blog but was scared to try. I doubted myself and my ability to be "techy" enough to do it. But I was ready to slay my New Year's Resolutions and I did it anyway!
However, I am so glad I jumped in and did this thing. It has been life-changing. Not only has this blog (and shop) given me a creative outlet to share what I love most, labor and delivery, but also has blessed us in so many ways.
Because of the blog, I was able to work less in 2019.
If you are interested in starting a blog, check out Bluehost for your hosting. It's only $3 a month which is pretty easy to do. Do not start on a small platform. Start with a self-hosted one like Bluehost. Believe in your blog from the beginning. It's a lot of work, but so satisfying.
Related post: Pinterest Strategies for New Bloggers
Create your bucket list and post it on the fridge for everyone to see. Maybe even create a space or two for your kids to add to the list. It can be a bucket list for the family or just for you.
No matter what you do, do something new!
As a family, commit to at least 19 random acts of kindness in 2019. If your family starts this habit, then everyone will be looking outward to find others who are in need.
Maybe pay a bill for a single mom. Do yardwork for a neighbor. Take a meal to an older adult. Pay for someone's meal at a restaurant.
Be sure to allow the kids to help find the people in need of blessings. Teach them to be on the lookout. This will transform them into someone who notices needs in others and isn't only focused on themselves.
OK, this may sting for everyone involved, but it's a must. Lay down the device and walk away like your life is threatened.
Girl, you must spend time away from Instagram and Facebook. I know, it's so much fun to stalk people innocently, but the most critical people are right there in front of you.
Create device free zones and be vigilant. For instance, dinnertime!
My new slogan in our home during dinner is, "No Phone Zone." Getting off the phone/electronic devices is one of the most important New Year's Resolutions for Moms.
Put a stylish bowl or basket on the counter in the kitchen for everyone to put their device into during dinner. All should be on silence so that they can't intrude on dinnertime.
If the thought of being device-free causes a little panic in your brain, then you for sure need to do it.
Just recently I was waiting for my girls and I took my laptop into Chipotle to work on my current post.
At the table next to me was a family of four and I kid you not, they ate their dinner, refilled their drinks, and sat for like 15 minutes on their phones. The mom didn't look up from her phone one time. Not once. She had her phone in her left hand and ate with her right. I was stunned.
Some of my most treasured memories as a kid were from family meals.
If you need help with meal plans check out the Five Dollar Meal plan. I am in my second month, and it's been beneficial, although I need to be more committed.
Dinner time can be the most profitable time of day for a family. Everyone is relaxed and together. Mommas (Daddys) use this time to your advantage to seek the hearts of your children. Ask purposeful questions and share stories. Our family has a tradition of sharing our best and the worst of the day at dinnertime. We start with the youngest and work our way through our kids all the way to us, the parents. We ask two questions and a prayer request.
These simple questions have been consistent through a lot of change in our family dynamics. We have moved several times and had two sons become adults and move out. Start a dinnertime family tradition now!!
Dinner time is a beautiful time to slow down and be a family. Remember to make it a device-free zone. This rule applies to the parents as well!
Do you make a lot of financial purchases in the home? Yeah, me too. I am the gatekeeper of the wallet, so to say. Let's just say; I have been convicted lately of my tendency to impulse buy.
Don’t be alarmed, This Will Be The Year Your Family Budget Will Not Fail
Insanely Simple Ways to Start a Family Savings Plan
I am determined this year to stop this bad habit. If you feel the same way, then take note of a few ideas I am planning to save money for our family.
Ok girl, I know this one is a tough one for mothers everywhere. We are so busy (refer to new year resolutions # 1 and #2) that we forget to take care of ourselves.
You must spend some time on you so that you can be the best wife and mom possible. It's near impossible to be our best if we are lacking sleep, lacking laughter, or lacking nutrients. Remember your spirit and your body need attention.
Read This ASAP: Speaking of time alone, give yourself some time alone at night by helping your little one learn to soothe themselves to sleep. Our Asa mastered it in less than a week.
I could go on and on, but you get the drift! My challenge to you is to do something just for you THIS WEEK! If your spouse isn't supportive, ask a friend to watch your kids and go out and have some time alone.
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