Parenting is not about striving for perfection. Yet, a new year gives us an opportunity to get over our past parenting blunders and start afresh. Here is a list of top parenting resolutions to get you started.
New Year Resolutions are those promises that we annually make to ourselves, but invariably end up breaking – often within weeks. We have all ‘been there and done that’. So, before we even consider listing likely parenting resolutions for 2023, the starting point should be to find ways of keeping the promises for the whole year. Think of all the positivity your consistency will bring to you and your family as a whole. Motivation and doggedness are what you need. Here are a few suggestions which we think will be of benefit to the whole family
10 Parenting Resolutions for the New Year
Limit Usage of Devices
Many children are, from a young age, hooked onto mobiles, smartphones, tablets, laptops and other such devices. Why not ensure you limit the usage of these tech toys so that your kids have more time for other important activities? Too often mealtimes are spent over devices. Is it possible to reinstate meaningful family conversations around the table?
Spend More Quality Time with Your Kids
One of your duties as a parent is to spend quality time with your children. You should try to set aside at least an hour each day for them. It could be reading to them, playing games, making things or whatever makes them happy. This ‘children time’ will help you to build mutually strong relationships, making your children more open to sharing things with you. Leave your work in the office so you can focus on your children; they should be your first priority.
For more tips on parenting check out 10 Ways to Be Awesome Parents.
Establish A Daily Routine
Adhering to a daily routine is one of the most effective ways of helping your child. A clear schedule shows them that there is a time for all the important things. Do not be discouraged if, at first, you find some resistance from your child. The chances are that he/she will soon accept the premise that play times can come after homework has been completed. Also read Top 10 Ideas To Ease Out Your Daily Parenting Routine.
Make Weekends Fun
Make one day of the week a family day which you wholeheartedly stick to. Family activities might include picnics, days at the park or beach, visiting museums or other places of interest or simply chilling out at home and watching a movie together. Make favorite snacks and give your little ones every chance to have a wonderful time. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will also let your children see the fun side of you and give them something to look forward to.
Learn A New Language
The acquisition of a new skill, such as a language, can be nothing but advantageous to your children. Introducing them to a different tongue will foster their curiosity and creativity and also boost their self-esteem. It will also help them to be interested in, and more open to different cultures.
Be More Patient With Your Children
One of the most excellent parenting resolutions for the New Year is to become more patient with your kids. Try to avoid snapping at them over minor issues. If you are stressed or upset, it is very easy to take out your frustrations on your children, but try not to do this. Listen to your children’s comments and problems and show them that you care, and that they can approach you at any time. Be conscious of your negative behavior in front of them, for they will surely observe you and copy what they see. Try not to yell or shout in front of your children.
Visit Your Extended Family
Make a concerted effort to allow your kids to meet their grandparents more often. Children thrive upon the love, values, and traditions of their grandparents. These all help them to become good human beings. Invite your brothers and sisters over so your kids can play with their cousins. These visits will help your child to achieve a sense of belonging to a wider family unit and help to strengthen the bonds which family members provide. If you have a single child, it becomes all the more important to spend time with cousins and the children of family friends in order to facilitate the good habits of sharing and caring.
Encourage Your Kids to Help with Chores
A good starting point for the New Year is to give age-appropriate responsibilities to your children and let them help you around the house. With the little ones helping out, you can spend time bonding over chores. The children will also learn the importance of teamwork and how working together will get the jobs done more quickly. Your children will be less likely to be lazy when they grow up, if they are in the habit of helping from the very beginning.
Appreciate The Good In Your Child
You will always notice your child’s misbehavior and confront him/her about it, but do you appreciate it when behavior is good? Credit should always be given when it is due, so make sure you reward your children for positive actions. This will motivate them to be the best they can be, and they will strive to be a star in their parent’s eyes. Appreciate your children aloud in front of relatives and friends. Appreciate it when they spontaneously say ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ or when they help to clean up their rooms. These small gestures go a long way in forming positive personality traits.
Take Some Time Out For Yourself
Last, but not least, do not forget to have some ‘me’ time in your hectic daily schedule. As a caring parent, it is understandable that many aspects of your life will revolve around your kids. But it is important to make time to do things you love. Keep up your interests outside of the family, join a gym, meet your friends for coffee or go to a movie with your partner. All these things will help you to keep your batteries fully charged and aid you to be a better parent. Head to our website for a great selection of parenting books.
These, then are our top 10 parenting resolutions. If you try to incorporate them into your life you will create a more peaceful parenting style which will solidify the bond with your family. So do not weaken, make a promise to yourself and follow through with your good intentions for the whole year!
