In the spirit of the new year, and in keeping with a long running tradition, I've created my list of
resolutions for 2007.
But this is no ordinary list. This is a Mommy (or Daddy, if you prefer) centric list that goes "weigh" beyond the standard promise to lose 10 pounds by 2008.
So here we go. I've picked five of the top ten most common New Year's resolutions (as listed by the
CentraCare Health System, which incidentally offers a content-rich
Parenting Center):
1.
Lose weight: This year, I resolve to lose weight. The weight of the world on my shoulders to be a
"supermommy" or
"world's greatest mom" (regardless of what my coffee cup says).
I will not be solely responsible for finding lost homework assignments, lunch bags, left shoes, or my husband's favorite belt (which seems to walk around the house all on its own).
I will lose the weight of self-guilt and second-guessing by realizing that my family is (relatively) well-adjusted, happy, healthy (colds notwithstanding) and haven't (yet) become wanted criminals. I WILL attribute these successes to my parenting skills and will feel the weight melt away.
2.
Stop smoking: Well, technically, I will stop creating a mommy "smoke-screen." I resolve to break down and ask for help when I need it. I will accept said help with open and non-judgemental arms (since, truly, is it that important that the towels be folded in thirds instead of in half?).
I will not agree to participate in every little thing, especially those that take away from quality family time, simply so every single person in the universe thinks I have it together. Timmy Jones' all day celebration of his new hair cut (for which I am expected to bake and design 4 dozen cookies with "Way to go!" iced onto the tops) is not a great way to spend a Saturday. Instead, I will say yes to things that help other
children and
families in need and I will also get my family involved.
3.
Save money: I resolve to
eat more dinners at home and enjoy the music of my toddlers' and husband's laughter, requests for more "mac n' that cheese" casserole (my only true kitchen specialty), the whiz of a sippy cup past my ear, and even the cries to leave the table and play.
I will reward good behavior not by purchasing a new toy, but with trips to never before visited
parks and playgrounds where I will forget about work for one hour to slide and swing with the wild abandon of my children.
I resolve not to purchase a large, small, furry or scaly creature that requires bags of food costing more than our family's monthly mortgage payment. Instead, I will create a magical story that inspires my kids to take care of an aquarium of
Sea-Monkeys, their king and queen, and a herd of invisible sea horse pulled chariots.
4.
Become more organized: I will go through my closet and donate all shoes that stopped fitting even before my first pregnancy. I will then be better equipped to see the toy dump truck hiding behind the racks and (miraculously) locate a missing left shoe.
I will leave the house 10 minutes early with the kids so I only arrive 5 minutes late. To accomplish this, I will stash a diaper bag in each bedroom, by the door, in the car, and maybe even hide a spare "emergency" bag in the spare tire well.
I will also send out Christmas cards so that they actually arrive for Christmas 2007 and not Easter 2008.
5.
Be more patient: 2007 is the time to take a deep breath, count to 10 (or 20, or more) and work on my patience. I will recognize that calm repetition is key when attempting to get my kids to
pick up their toys, use the potty, or take the doll clothes off of our cat. I will accept that this is also the case with my husband (but will wonder why he can't at least match the clothes he puts on the poor feline).
Instead of jumping in with my opinion, I will wait to hear the entire side of a story and listen to that person's perspective. This will make me realize why it such an honor to live in a country where neighbors (or friends or family members) can express such differing view points and still be able to coexist.
I will breathe deeply when my mother-in-law says my new haircut is perfect "for a boy" and when she asks why the kids get up at the crack of dawn. I will patiently remind myself that if I don't do so well on this resolution, I have the rest of my life (or hers!) to add it to my list.
But most of all, I will realize how
truly blessed I am to have family and friends. And if my list doesn't keep me busy enough throughout the year, I might even decide to lose those 10 pounds. But I don't want to get overly ambitious...
Posted By:
Colleen Aravena