2023 is just around the corner, and you might be feeling ready for a fresh start – a chance to regroup and jump into another year full of joy, love, and new experiences. To help you properly ring into the new year, we've crafted four resolutions that focus on making time for yourself and your family. We've also broken down each resolution to daily, weekly, and monthly goals that are realistic and attainable. Whether you're a new mom or a mom with a few years of experience under your belt, this list is for you!
Alongside the countless spit-up, diaper changes, and late nights, motherhood may also be riddled with moments of guilt and comparing yourself to other moms. In 2023, we’re ditching that! Allow yourself some forgiveness this year, because mistakes happen and those social media posts with the "flawless" mom don't tell the whole story; it's unfair to compare your lowlights to someone else's highlights.
Daily: Give Yourself Grace
Moms, you don’t hear it enough: you’re doing great! We are often our own worst critics, and that urge to be a "perfect" mom can be exhausting. Even as you draft your new year's resolutions, know that even if you don’t get to stick to all of them, you are enough. You're crushing motherhood, because you're doing the best you can. The next time you feel overwhelmed or critical of yourself, take a moment to acknowledge everything you’re doing right. After all, you’re only human. It's ok if you haven't figured out breastfeeding yet, or you lost your patience with the kids today. Give yourself some grace, because you deserve it.
Weekly: Celebrate Each Week
At the end of each week, take a few moments to write down all the things (whether big or small) that brought you joy, made you happy, inspired you to laugh, or helped you feel grateful. Dedicating time to reflect on each week will remind you to appreciate the little things, not sweat the small stuff, and realize that ultimately, guilt and self comparisons must make way for the wonderful moments that you'll cherish. We highly recommend keeping these things in a journal so that at the end of 2023, you'll have a whole book full of memories and highlights that you can revisit whenever you need a pick-me-up.
Monthly: Join a Mom Support Group
Saying no to guilt and constant comparisons is easier said than done, but it certainly gets easier when you have a support crew! Joining a mom group provide many moms with a sense of belonging and assurance; not only could it serve as a source of solace and camaraderie, but it could also be a place to pick up some parenting tips and make some new friends who get exactly what you're going through – because they're in it, too.
You might be around your family all the time, but finding quality time to spend together can be challenging. Here are some ideas that will encourage you to stay present and experience new things in a meaningful way.
Daily: Put Down the Phone
In this age of technology, it's become increasingly difficult for all of us to look up from the screens, especially from our cellphones that we use daily. The easy access to news, weather, games, and communication with long-distance friends and family has been a blessing, but its ability to keep us distracted from the now may be its curse. A simple way to find more time for your family is to just put the phone down. While many parents are concerned about screen time for their kids, they often how much time they spend on their phone, even just with responding to emails and texts. The intentional albeit small act every day, even for just an hour at the beginning or end of the day, will allow you to be much more present and actively engaged with your littles and partner.
Weekly: One Dinner a Week
The holiday break is practically over, which means returning to the busy schedule of work, school, and extracurricular activities. During especially hectic months, it can be challenging to find the time to sit down and have a meal together as a family every night. This year, we’re striving for one family dinner a week. Whether on weekends or weekdays, choose one day that works best for your family. Spend quality time preparing dinner together, then enjoy it! Laugh, chat, and use this time to ground yourself for the rest of the week.
Monthly: Do One New Thing Each Month
Exploring the world and learning from it can pave the way to create some of the best memories with your family. Each month, seek out a new place to visit, or a new thing to try. Whether it be a museum, a water park, a new ice cream store, or a place where you can volunteer together, make this day memorable by calling it “Family Fun Day” and allowing your kids to join in on the planning.
Motherhood can be as exhausting as it is rewarding, and your body and mind may be in need of some R & R. This year, we're going to prioritize mental and physical health. After all, health is the minimum requirement to accomplish any resolution!
Daily: Love Your Body
Your postpartum body likely looks and feels different from your pre-baby body. Whatever feelings you may have around these changes, accepting and loving your body is a great way to celebrate and validate all the amazing things you and your body have accomplished together.
Weekly: Learn to Say "No"
As a mom, you’re often pressured to say yes to everything, be everywhere at once, and always be prepared for chaos to ensue at any moment. But sometimes, your body and mind need you to say no. You can’t always do it all, and that’s ok. In the new year, assess how you're feeling before you jump to saying "yes" to every event or obligation. It's perfectly ok to delegate or ask for help.
Monthly: Engage in Meaningful Mind & Body Exercise
The new year frequently motivates people to hit the gym, but this year, try something different! Find an activity that you enjoy doing, whether it be meditating, yoga, walking in your favorite park – look for something that refreshes you, and allows you some alone time to develop your mind, body and spirit.
If you're precariously balancing work and home duties and running errands, cooking meals, and cleaning up after your littles alongside all of the other things you have to do to keep up with life, resolve to make time for you this year.
Daily: Put Yourself on the List
Many moms create a list of things that they aim to get done that day, but tend to only include themselves at the bottom of the list or not at all. Mom life can be hectic, but when making those lists, remember to include yourself. As you're thinking about the needs of your littles, ask yourself: “What do I need?” By prioritizing your self-care and refilling your cup, you’ll be more equipped to take care of them, too.
Weekly: Spend Time with Your Hobby, New or Old
Once a week, spend time engaging in your hobby for a few minutes or a few hours. From reading to crocheting, playing an instrument, or going for a run, devote some time each week to doing the thing you used to love to do.
Monthly: Treat Yourself
That new nail salon you’ve been hoping to try? Check it out. In need of a massage? Book it. Need the day to yourself to get some fresh air outside? Do it! This year, treat yourself to the small things that make a big difference. Once a month, allow yourself the day to get your hair done or go on that hike you’ve always wanted to do. Whatever it may be, let the day be for you – and trust that the world will still be turning when you're back.
Preparing for the new year can be both an exciting and pressure-filled time. Crafting an elaborate list packed with aspirational resolutions can be tempting, but setting attainable goals based on strong foundations of self love and family can set you up for success! Take our list above, apply it to your lifestyle, and conquer those little moments that make life meaningful.
