New Year’s Resolutions Just for SharpMoms

Having trouble with good resolutions for coming year? Look no farther! We have a list of doable resolutions for 2010 that will help you focus on your family and add to your SharpMom capabilites!

1. I will embrace the fact that I’m not perfect. No one is, but as a Mom you most likely feel the constant need to be perfect at everything you do-cooking, housekeeping, work, kids…The list could go on and on. You don’t have to bake everything from scratch, make Halloween costumes out of scraps lying around the house, or coach the soccer team. Children don’t need you to be perfect. What they do need is lots of hugs and love and attention. So forget the idea of being the next Angelina Jolie and focus on your family and spending time together.

2. I will get down on the floor and play with my child every day. Whether you have an infant or school age children, no matter the age, all children need some one-on-one face time with Mom (and Dad). For Moms who work outside the home making time for your kids can be an extra hard challenge. Set some time aside each day to read a bedtime story, help with homework, or participate in tummy time. Not only will your child enjoy it, but it will give you a few minutes to leave the stresses of day behind.

3. I will take care of my body. Time for yourself? Unheard of! Not really and you should think about making some time to eat better and workout in the coming year. You don’t have to be a diet queen, but try some new heathly recipes for your family. It will benefit you all! Not all Moms are workout divas, but just 30 minutes a day, or every other day, can really help boost your mood and help you shed those few extra holiday pounds you just put on because of that yummy Christmas dinner you indulged in.

4. I will learn to love the chaos. Having a family means loads of laundry, lots of contagious diseases, messy faces, muddy shoes, and so much more! As comedienne Phyllis Diller once said: “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.”

5. I will make the family dinner a priority. Sure, it’s easier to grab pizza and eat in front of the TV than to arrange a meal at the dinner table. But remember: it’s not about the food (so don’t worry if you’re not the next Rachel Ray!), it’s your family that should be the focus.Sitting down for a meal at the end of the day gives everyone in the house a chance to reconnect and talk about what happened during their day. And, an added bonus, research has found that kids who regularly have dinner with their parents are more likely to do well in school and stay out of trouble.

6. I will focus a little more on my marriage. Marriage is a living thing that needs to be watered, fed, and nurtured. Raising a family takes up SO much time and energy that you most likely see less of your husband than you did when you were dating in college. Try to make time for a monthly date night, partake in the household chores together, or catch your favorite primetime show on TIVO after the kids are in bed.

7. I will make time for my friends. When you become a Mom everything changes. You may not see your girlfriends as much as you used to. Don’t let your friendships fade. Take a minute to send out an email or make a phone call. Schedule a monthly “Girl’s Night Out”. Spending time with your girlfriends will not only liven your mood, but also lower your blood pressure!

8. I will remind myself daily that time with my children is precious. Motherhood never ends — but childhood does. You have your first baby, you wake up one day and their 3 years old and you’re expecting #2. Do not neglect your children. These are moments you will never get back. Spend time with them when you can, take lots of pictures and make time for special activities that will create lasting memories.