1. Be the Fun Parent: I think when it comes to being the “fun parent” my husband takes the win. I spend all day with J and I think by the end of the day he just gets bored of me. I mean let’s face it, I’m exhausted by the time 6 or 7 pm rolls around! My husband works 10-11 hours a day so J sees me way more than him so when Papa gets home its time for J to have some fun. I think it’s about high time I try some new activities with J and save him and myself of boredom and the same ol‘ routine!

2. Get him GOING: I am definitely going to sign J up for more activities this year. He just turned 16 months old and I was waiting until he was a bit older to enroll him in some fun classes around our area. I waited because I wanted for him to understand a bit more and actually be able to semi comprehend what was going on around him. I attended a few baby and me classes with him at the library last year and all he wanted to do was run around the room, so I waited. It’s time I sign him up for some more activities that will be beneficial to his mind and soul!

3. Why Don’t You Put That Phone and Laptop Away? I am the worst at putting my phone down because so much of what I do for work involves my phone. I have noticed that my husband or J will take their entire head and jam it in between my face and my phone to get my attention. I remember my husband saying to me a while ago that when he comes home the majority of my time is spent on my phone or laptop instead of with him. Major mom/wife guilt. So, unless it’s an emergency or it’s my alone time, or it’s my work hours, I’m done being a screen-a-holic and missing out on quality time I will never get back with my family.

4. Pause: It’s impossible to make every moment count because the reality is that we are human and I am not going to live in a constant pool of guilt because I missed said “moment.” But, one of my new year’s resolutions is to pause and enjoy time with my family and appreciate the little things. Don’t rush through the bedtime routines. Pause and listen when my child is telling me a story that I do not understand(baby talk is a struggle). I am going to snuggle and spend quality time with the ones I love more.

5. Give myself a BREAK: I am my own worst critic as a mother. And- even as I am writing out these resolutions I can feel myself failing them miserably already. I am going to try and be intentional with all of these New Years Resolutions, but also give myself a break. I am a human mother with many flaws of my own that unfortunately, my son and husband get to experience. But, I believe that while I offer myself break in parenting and mothering, he will see that example and learn to give himself a break too when they don’t get it right. To apologize when I mess up and ask for forgiveness. And hopefully, my example of letting it go and forgiveness will teach J that he can still get up, try again, and not let self-condemnation hold him back from personal growth.