Mom life comes with plenty of rewarding moments, but the parenting struggles are also a part of the job. This is the perfect time of year to reflect on our parenting goals and make new resolutions. Breaking bad habits may not be easy, but setting your new intentions as a mom is the first start to a fabulous and fruitful 2017 with the ones you love most.
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Have a strategy for la suegra.
The holidays just passed and you've probably experienced your suegra's meddling ways more than ever. Leave all of that in the past and establish your own boundaries while also being respectful.
Try to get off your phone and live in the moment.
We're on our phones more than ever these days. According to a recent survey, Americans check their phones on average 46 times a day. Your child is competing with some of that attention and you could be missing out on sweet moments. Attempt to limit your phone use and be more self aware about how often you pick it up in front of the little ones.
Don't give up on keeping your house bilingual.
People say it's easy raising a bilingual child because it mainly requires just talking to them in that language. However, it's not so easy once your dominant tongue takes over–especially if your partner doesn't speak Spanish.
Don't be so hard on yourself and take it day by day. Flashcards always help. The important thing is that you don't give up.
Think twice before judging other moms.
Mom-shaming is at an all-time high thanks to social media. We don't have to play a part of that game. We all have our struggles and would do better as a community without being so judgemental. Check it at the door!
Cook with your kid more often.
We're all busy and there's no better way to bond with your kids than by cooking with them. You'll inspire them to try new flavors and build their confidence. You can even show them to love some of our traditional ingredients and dishes.
Make reading a part of your daily routine.
Reading to babies has been proven to improve speech development and foster a love for learning at an early age. Add books to their playtime space so it makes it easier to read out loud whenever they display curiosity over a book.
Allow your kids to think outside of the box.
Every family activity is a chance to feed your child's way of thinking and imagination. Encourage them to flex their creativity in unexpected ways.
Exercise with your kids.
Okay, this is partly selfish too. New year resolutions comes with hoping to drop some extra pounds, but getting to the gym is close to impossible. Carve out an hour of fitness time at home with your kids. It's great bonding time and teaches them the value of fitness and staying healthy too.
For toddlers, stay firm about quitting the pacifier.
Weaning your toddler off the pacifier is probably one of the toughest parenting struggles out there! Discuss a strategy with your partner and make sure you stick to it. Consistency is key.
Listen more and preach less.
Kids are often trying to form a connection with their authority figures. Make sure you listen and pay attention to the signals they're throwing out there. Preaching won't resolve your discipline issues if you don't know where they're coming from.
Laugh more and always be grateful.
We should all start 2017 with grateful hearts. Let's make it a point to be present spiritually and emotionally. The rest will surely work itself out.
