Parenting Resolutions for the New Year
“Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.” – Brad Paisley
It’s that time of the year again, when people are full of positivity, ready to wipe their slates clean and start afresh. Everyone loves a fresh start, and considering the year we’ve had, we’re all the more in need of renewed hope.
With all the recent happenings, a lot of people have brought into light the importance of raising kids with the right values. Most people believe that rather than stricter laws, the right upbringing is crucial to a well-balanced, harmonious and productive society.
In view of this, I have thought up some resolutions that I would like to implement in the New Year, so that I can do my bit in contributing to a better world for the next generation. We can’t expect preschoolers to make plans for the next hour, let alone the next year :), so it is up to us!
1. I will try my best to control my temper. Yelling is nothing but counter productive – for everyone involved.
2. I will have a zero tolerance policy for violence of any kind, towards anyone. You talk things out, ignore it or take it to the higher level.
3. I will plan, plan and plan. Every month – upcoming holidays & birthdays; every week – meals & snacks, school projects & crafts; every day – a proper routine.
4. I will make him do age appropriate chores. Now this is easier said than done, but I’ve already made a start – after endless reminders, he now puts his dirty clothes in the laundry hamper, puts his toys away in the assigned baskets and takes his used dishes to the kitchen sink :). Most of the time.
5. I will encourage politeness and respect, even when angry. (Ok, maybe I’m pushing it a little here :))
6. I will encourage him to pray, to unburden himself.
7. I will try to cut down on materialistic pleasures for my son. Tough one considering I myself need to cut down, but there is just too much ‘stuff’ in our home.
No parent is perfect. We know that and accept that. But that doesn’t mean that we stop trying to be the best we can for our children. We owe them a better world, much better than the one we’ve been given, and today’s mothers, fathers and teachers are crucial in spearheading that process.
Let’s pray for all the hurt souls and hope for a shiny, bright future. I wish everyone at Parentous and all families across the globe, a Wonderful, Healthy and Happy New Year.
Fabida Abdulla is a former software engineer turned stay at home Mother Lion to her four year old son, whom she calls ‘The Cub’. She blogs about her crazy life at Shocks and Shoes.