Making New Year’s resolutions is futile: No matter how optimistic we are about implementing positive changes in our lives on January 1st, the statistics tell us that about 80% of New Year’s resolutions will fail. But maybe this year will be different?
If you’re a parent of a young child, ditch the tried and true resolutions. This year, we’re going all in on classic New Year’s resolutions tailored specifically for parents.
Exercise more … restraint when your least favorite children’s television character appears. This one is hard, but when Caillou pops up, do your best not to clench your fist and whisper, “I swear, if I was that kids’ parent ….” For me, it helps to take deep breaths, to picture myself somewhere peaceful, and, above all, to remember that Caillou is a cartoon.
Cut back on the treats … you eat while locked in the bathroom where your children can’t see you. This year, branch out! Chow down on secret cookies while hiding in the hall closet, or sitting on the couch with a blanket covering your entire body.
Meditate more … on why you continue making threats that you have absolutely no intention of following through on. I knew it had become a problem when one day, I found myself saying, “If you don’t stop yelling, I’m not going to let you go to the dentist!” Did I mean this? No. Did I say this? Yes. Did it work? Unfortunately, also yes. That’s why this habit is so hard to kick.
Work out more … ways to prevent your children from knowing that the ice cream man is coming down the street. Yes, it is January, but it’s best to prepare now. The next time you hear “Farmer in the Dell,” you better have a plan in place, otherwise you’re about to pay $3.75 for a single grape popsicle.