This year, I’m going to be a better mom … said every mom ever
I’m one of those moms. January 1st marks the beginning of a new year — the year I will be a better mom, a better wife, and a better friend.
The truth is though, I try to be a better mom every day. I strive to be more patient, more compassionate, and more present for my family and friends than the day before. And because I try, I feel like I’m the best mom that I can be. Not perfect, but constant.
Constant in seeking out advice and support. Endless in fighting for my kids. Forever showing love with hugs and kisses.
So this year, I’m acknowledging that I’m a good mom. I don’t need to do a 180 in changing my parenting style. I don’t need drastic changes for myself or my kids. Not this year at least.
This year is about the small things — small changes for big impact.
One of my small adjustments for 2019 is adding a new mantra to my parenting mindset: “This moment doesn’t define my child.”
My goal is to keep this mantra top of mind every day. So when my kids are yelling, screaming, throwing food on the floor, fighting, or making faces as I discipline them, I will remind myself that one moment doesn’t define my kids.
One outburst in a store doesn’t mean my child is a defiant child. One moment of rudeness doesn’t mean my kid is disrespectful. One swing in hormones, sugar, or emotion doesn’t define my child.
Those moments are hard and tiring, but they are small in that they aren’t what define my child, just their emotion at that particular time.
My hope is that this small little shift in my everyday parenting will make things a little more smooth. A small mental shift with hopefully a big impact.
I’m letting go of “new year, new you.” I’m replacing it with “new year, same me, but better.”
