It is a start to a brand new year. Time to look forward and think about your goals and expectations for the coming year - and of course make those new year's resolutions! Many parents talk to me about their parenting New Year's Resolutions. On January 1st they make goals to be more patient, spend more time with their children, and slow down their busy lives to enjoy small moments with their children.
These are admirable New Year's resolutions. The problem with resolutions in general is that we set lofty, vague goals that are difficult to achieve and maintain. So, how can we turn New Year's resolutions into everday reality? Set small, managable goals and celebrate each small step towards the goal. Once you have achieved those smaller goals, feel free to reach higher and push yourself to do more.
In order to be a more patient parent, focus on specific ways to achieve that. Take lots of deep breaths and take time for yourself (even if it is 5 minutes a day)! If you want to spend more time with your children - set a small goal of leaving a few minutes early from work, one day each week. If your goal is to be more present, focus on spending at least 10 minutes of play time with your child each day (without distractions or electronics).
The key is to start small, make it manageable, be realistic and be kind to yourself. Celebrating the small successes will fuel your motivation to keep trying.
These are admirable New Year's resolutions. The problem with resolutions in general is that we set lofty, vague goals that are difficult to achieve and maintain. So, how can we turn New Year's resolutions into everday reality? Set small, managable goals and celebrate each small step towards the goal. Once you have achieved those smaller goals, feel free to reach higher and push yourself to do more.
In order to be a more patient parent, focus on specific ways to achieve that. Take lots of deep breaths and take time for yourself (even if it is 5 minutes a day)! If you want to spend more time with your children - set a small goal of leaving a few minutes early from work, one day each week. If your goal is to be more present, focus on spending at least 10 minutes of play time with your child each day (without distractions or electronics).
The key is to start small, make it manageable, be realistic and be kind to yourself. Celebrating the small successes will fuel your motivation to keep trying.
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