Parenting Resolutions

If you read this blog regularly, I apologize for the long delay since my last post. My computer has been out of commission since before Christmas and I finally got it back today. So many things have been put on hold but I’m now back in operation.

I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions but I think we all aim to move forward in all aspects of our lives, including our parenting. Moving forward can mean huge changes or it can mean very small changes. A new year does gives us an opportunity to reflect back and consider the year we just completed. What were the successes? What were the challenges? What were the big and small changes? What worked and what didn’t work?

If your family is living in chaos or hostility is more the norm than the exception, what needs to be changed? What would make things more peaceful for everyone? Do you need to reconsider how you’re responding to things that irritate you? Do you need more time to yourself? Do you need to adjust your schedule to accommodate more down time? Do you need to establish better boundaries?

When we’re in the process of change, it’s good to remember that the only person we can change is ourselves. We can change how we respond to the people around us, but we can’t change another person. That includes our children. It also includes our partner.

What will you resolve to change in 2008?