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If you are like most parents, you barely competed this year with your sanity. The busy schedules and many obligations throughout out the year may have you burned out! Well it’s time to let the past go, pat yourself on the back, and get ready for a new year! The best way to prepare for the New Year is by setting some resolutions for your parenting style. New Year Resolutions aren’t just for the individual, sometimes it’s a great idea to plan a set of resolutions as a group. I am sure your parenting style can use some little adjustments. By creating a planned approach to the New Year with your significant other, there is a better chance you will accomplish your goals and be held accountable for your resolutions. Here are a set of some helpful resolutions you and your spouse can work together to accomplish throughout out the year.
1. Make date night a priority
As parents, we can sometimes place quality time together on the back burner. This year try to make date night a priority. Schedule a monthly date night for the entire year. Create a bucket list of dates. Whether is just a small lunch date, or intimate chat at your favorite local coffee shop, make sure to get the time in . It can be monthly or weekly, you decide. Just make sure , it is high priority item on your list of responsibilities.
2. Make ME time a priority.
As a busy parent, it is essential that we break away from our daily schedules and routines. In order to be great parents, we must work on ourselves first. We can prevent being burned out, by just making time for ourselves to reset and unwind. If only for one hour, find time throughout the day to be alone. Use this time to relax, laugh, read a book, exercise, or chat with a friend.
3. Get Help
No matter what they say, every parent needs help. No one can do this adventurous parenting journey alone. Whether it’s a friend, relative, or hired help, it’s important to seek out out help. Get others to help you with some of your responsibilities. Don’t overwhelm yourself this year with cleaning , car pooling, cooking and laundry. Don’t be ashamed to seek help from time to time. It’s definitely okay to hire someone else to help with the cooking or cleaning. If you are able, hire help to come in tidy your home once a month. Partner and connect with other parents, to get help with carpooling and babysitting.
4. Clean home in increments of 6 minutes
If you’re anything like me, keeping a clean home during the week can be quite difficult. This year challenge yourself by adding 6 extra minutes to your daily activities to help maintain your home. For example, in the morning, be sure to leave time to time to make your bed, wipe off bathroom counters, and put toiletries away. At breakfast time, get help from the family by wiping counters and loading dishwasher. After Dinner time, play a fun game with the family of tidying up and preparing for the next day. Have your children help you to remove toys and items from the common areas of the house. With help from your family, you can create a habit of tidying up in 6 minutes. This will help you to keep your house clean in between cleanings.
5. Let your children help out
As a parent, it is our duty to teach our children the proper way to live. Get started early helping your children learn how to maintain their home, space, and to stay organized. Teach your children the benefits of being organized, by giving them small chores to do around the home. This can be both a teachable moment as well as a big help to you! Children over the age of 3 can be very helpful in completing small tasks. Kids can be responsible for organizing books, using a small hand held vacuum, and putting toys away.
6. Don’t overwhelm yourself with kid activities
Being a parent today, can be completely stressful. It is very common for children to completely take over their parent’s life. Leaving very little for parents. Trying to stay up to date with the latest events or activities can leave you feeling overwhelmed inadequate. This year challenge yourself to limit the amount of kid focused activities you do monthly and limit the amount of sports/extracurricular activities your kids are participating in . Don’t feel that your child must be in multiple sports at the same time to be happy. The key to being a great parent is not based on the amount of sports or extracurricular activities your children are apart of, but the love and support you give your children consistently.
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