Parenting is one of the hardest jobs of all time. Continually analyzing whether or not you’re being a good parent is an important step in becoming one. New Year’s is a great time to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and concerns while planning for a better year ahead. What kind of a parent do you want to be in 2012? What is the most important thing to you? Why not try some of the following suggestions?
1. Lighten Up: Everyone makes mistakes, every parent is human. There hasn’t been a parent that has ever walked the face of the earth who hasn’t made many many mistakes. Lighten up on yourself as a parent. What would happen if you didn’t give yourself such a hard time? Instead take a look at your good qualities and the things you work hard to do good. Acknowledge them, celebrate your accomplishments no matter how small you think they are.
2. Comfort Zone: What things have you done in the past year or have not done out of fear? Fear of not looking good in a bathing suit? Or fear of what people will or will not think of you? What have you been putting off that you have wanted to do with your children? What can you do today to make a step towards doing the thing that you know you should do? Can you think of at least one thing? Why not try it today, face the fear you’ve been running from.
3. Try Something New: It’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Doing the same things over and over, day after day. You get the idea. Is there something new you’d like to try? Karate or self-defense class? Painting, drawing, scrap booking? What about learning a new language? Make a goal to do one new thing and see where it leads.
4. Take Care Of You: Being a parent is tiring. It takes all your energy and then some. It’s difficult to give your best to another human being if you are not taking care of yourself. What are you doing to make sure you get the love and attention you need as well? Try to do something every day to specifically take care of yourself. I’m not talking about eating or bathing. You can’t get off that easy. How about something just for you? Sitting quietly reading a book you like? Playing a video game that relaxes your mind? How about a mini massage? What ever it is, be sure it’s just for you.
It’s not as hard as it seems to make lasting changes in your life. Take one step at a time, don’t overwhelm yourself with changing 20 things at once. Pick one to start with and before you know it, you’ll start to see the change you deserve.