5 Simple MOM Resolutions for a Better 2011

New Year’s Day is just around the corner. Have you made your resolutions yet? Maybe you want to quit smoking, drop the extra pounds or get out of debt.... those are a few of the most common goals. But more and more parents are making even more personal goals this year, like finding balance, spending more time with the kids, or becoming a better mom.

Here’s a word of advice -- don’t go crazy.

Like the stereotypical resolutions we hear of every year, it’s not helpful to anyone to put unattainable expectations on ourselves, only adding more pressure to what’s already there. If you’re looking to become a better parent, first work on becoming a happier, less-stressed out version of you.

5 SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE MOM'S LIFE

Just say no The class Valentine's Day party will not collapse if you don’t plan it. It’s time to think about what really benefits your family and let go of some of time/energy-sucking tasks.

Speaking of time When’s the last time you sat down to drink your morning coffee? Or took a ten minute break in the middle of the day? It sounds cliche’ but only because it actually helps! Tuning everything out and tuning into yourself, if even for only ten minutes, can make a huge difference in your outlook and state of mind. Try it!

Gratuity included When something frustrating happens, moms flock to Facebook to tell the world about it. Yet we tend to ignore the little things that go right in our lives. I’m not saying to necessarily dedicate a status update to the fact that your son didn’t have a pre-breakfast tantrum, but taking a second to recognize the blessings is enough to set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Bigger is not better Try making small, manageable weekly goals and plot them on your calendar. TIP: Give yourself a reasonable amount of time. If “prepare taxes” is on your to-do list, spread it out over a few days. And if it’s not physically possible to get the car washed and the post office done in the same day, be realistic and don’t set yourself up for failure.

Play it again, Mom Repeat after me, PLAYING WITH MY KIDS DOES NOT MAKE ME A SLACKER. (Can you tell this is one I struggle with?) Skipping the dishes for a round of Scrabble or laying the smackdown over a game of Wii will not only channel your inner kid, it will make memories for your family that last a lifetime. (Maybe even balancing out their eventual need for therapy -- just sayin'!)

One last tip: Be NICE to yourself. If you wouldn’t have insane expectations of your best friend, don’t have them of yourself. Perfection is not only improbable, it’s impossible. Being a supermom might be about baking cupcakes and playing PTA president, but being a super mom is about taking a moment to enjoy the benefits of your labor.

Happy New Year.

Source: Yahoo Shine