US Dollar
It's already been 2015 for more than a week, but it's never too late to start working on those new year's resolutions. I actually don't make them because I believe we should be on a daily journey of betterment, striving for greatness all the time. However, I will say that as a mom, there are some new year's "mom-solutions" I'd like to try and work on. It's tough to stay positive sometimes when your daily routine consists of constant cleaning, cooking and caring for little ones. And since I have a second baby on the way, I know I have to master this motherhood thing as well as I can now, so it will be easier once I've got double the responsibility.
So my goals, or "mom-solutions" for the new year are as such:
To stop being so hard on myself. Sure, sometimes I get lazy, or the fridge gets a little empty, so I give in and give my child a cookie for breakfast. It isn't ideal, but it also isn't something I do every day, so I need to relax and give myself a break on those days when I need...well...a break! My child eats healthy most of the time, so a little treat here and there won't turn him into a choco-holic. To be ok with the mess and dirt. This is a tough one for me, because I grew up in an impeccably clean house. And I don't like mess, at least in the way of crumbs and dust and things that require household chores. I have no problem with a room full of toddler toys, so I need to relax a bit and remember that "God made dirt, and dirt don't hurt." Instead of sweeping my floor 5 times a day, I will shoot for once, after the grime has built up. To not feel guilty for using the television as a babysitter. I know what the experts say about young children watching television, and watching too much of it. But sometimes, mommy needs to get things done and can't do so unless little man is distracted with something. He's actually learned a few things from watching some of his favorite shows, and when I see his face light up when Curious George hits the screen, I can't help but think I am helping his imagination stay active. As with most things, moderation is key. To allow myself to be frustrated. My son loves to be with me. And that's wonderful and precious! But sometimes, like when I want to take a 15 minute shower in peace and quiet, it can be frustrating when he's opening the door or crying outside of it because he wants to be with me. And I feel bad getting upset with him, but the truth is, he needs to understand how important it is that mommy be alone, and how much she trusts him to entertain himself while she's showering. I don't want my child to only know how to express positive emotions, because he will encounter many times in life when he won't be happy. Seeing me unhappy will help him understand those real, raw, unhappy emotions we all have. This motherhood business is hard work. But it's the most rewarding work in the world. So this year, I want to do the best I can and not worry so much about everything being perfect.