Real-Mommy Resolutions

Some food for thought, if your new year's resolution list is still empty...as is mine...I didn't make a list this year. More peace of mind during the holidays, something to look forward to now that the festive spirit is nearly over.
(From Parents.com)

1.Don't Say "Don't"
I want to reduce how often I use the word "don't." That means I'll say, "Please be kind to your brother" instead of "Don't talk to him that way." I think it's better for our relationship for me not to always be the source of negative reminders. When I do say "don't" for an important reason, maybe it will stick more since they are not barraged by "don'ts" constantly.

2.Put a Cap on Your Work Day
I try never to check e-mail after 6 p.m. -- even though it never stops coming in. I let the day's tasks, hassles, and responsibilities slowly melt off me as I become present for my daughter. The computer got my attention all day -- now it's my daughter's turn.

3.Make One Dinner
I'd like to be better about letting the kids have what we're having for dinner (even though we eat it after they're in bed). If we're having French lentils with carrots, they can, too -- no real reason why I can't prepare and assemble that in kid-size bites and portions, too. Sometimes I use the justification that I just want them to eat, no arguments. But then sometimes they don't eat the peas and pizza anyway! May as well be trying for something a little more adventurous and expanding their palates.

4.Everyone Goes Green
I've recently committed to being more eco-conscious and would really like to share that with my children, as it's their future world that will be affected by this.

5.Make Exercise More Than a Game
One son is a jock but the other is not. I want to make sure he doesn't learn to dislike physical activity just because he's not the pitcher on the Little League team. I want to try to find more ways to sneak non competition-related exercise into my days with the boys -- more bike rides, more walking scavenger hunts, more silly relay races, more dance contests.

6.Go Domestic
My resolution is to create a clean home environment for them -- to be a cleaning lady, stay on top of laundry and all household chores. I want the baby to have an area to crawl around in without clutter, my 4-year-old to be able to play with his trains, and my husband to be happy, which will lead to a more pleasant home environment for the kids.

7.Go Bilingual
I resolve to begin speaking more English around our home. Since I am the bilingual parent in the home, it's up to me to raise our children speaking more than one language. We will sing, dance, and play our way through this mission of mine.

8.Mother and Wife
I'm making a promise to not give all my time to being a good mom but make sure to save some of "me" to share with My Super Fantastic Supportive Husband. Giving my children a good example of a healthy and loving marriage will hopefully help them feel secure, confident, and blessed.

9.A Little Patience
Every mommy probably makes this promise -- to be more patient with my kids. I hate when, at the end of a long day, I start snapping at them and issuing ridiculous threats ("if you two don't calm down, I'm not doing the bedtime routine tonight!").


Quite a full list, I think!..