As a mother and role model for two delicious kids, I think it’s important to constantly improve.So here are my New Year’s resolutions for 2011 to be a yummier mummy.
10 | Homework heaven
After hearing an educational consultant speak,I learned one of the most efficient ways of getting children to do their homework is to create a consistent schedule. I discovered my son works best close to bedtime after his shower. I’ll maintain this routine, in the hopes of reducing tension around homework.
9 | Listen to my kids
Mummy does know best, especially when she learns to listen to her kids. Whether it’s feeling full,when there’s still food on a plate, or feeling sick when there are no symptoms, I’m realizing my kids are often more intuitive than I give them credit for.
8 | Get more active
I admit it. I’m not an outdoorsy kind of gal. I’m more comfy in front my computer or book.Too often my kids are lounging when we could be running, riding or skating. I promise to be more active with my kids. It’s better for all of us.
7 | Overturn overprogramming
After reading studies that prove unscheduled downtime creates outof- the-box thinkers, I believe kids need downtime to emotionally regroup after school, have play dates and not be too tired for homework.
6 | Guilt-free “me time”
Why does a pang of guilt rip through me when girlfriends invite me out for dinner or a movie? As overworked, overly responsible parents, we NEED time away from our kids to have fun and let loose a little.
5 | Time to tidy
My children rarely tidy their room. I find it takes more energy to insist on a cleanup than doing it myself. But what am I teaching them? If they put up a fuss, they don’t have to do the work. This year, I will devote extra time and energy to encourage my kids to tidy up after themselves.
4 | Birthday party change
Enough with the presents already. Birthday parties are out of hand. Next year, I am introducing charity into my kids’ parties. They will choose which gifts to donate.
3 | Leave work at my office
My husband and I are workaholics, both umbilically attached to BlackBerrys. My hope is the two of us will pry ourselves away from work to be fully there for our kids.
2 | Stop comparing kids
Why are we constantly comparing our little treasures to the other kids on the block? Celebrate their strengths and work on their weaknesses. And love them for who they are.
1 | Pat myself on the back
Rarely do we give ourselves a pat on the back and acknowledge our successes as multi-tasking moms. This year I will cut myself some slack and pat myself on the back every time there’s a small victory!