How To Be A Better Mom In 2022
New Year, new me, right? Let’s get real, it‘s the last day of 2021 and we’re in a rush to figure out how we want to better ourselves, even if it’s something small. We plan to lose those few extra pounds we put on from Covid. Seriously though, how do you lose weight after 30? Asking for a friend. Then there’s the ideas of managing finances better or reading more books.
The main one as a parent is wanting to be a better in all aspects of parenting. We want to be the best versions of ourselves to love them better and help turn them into the best human beings they can possibly be.
So, what is the secret to becoming a better parent? It’s simple, we let go of other’s expectations of what parenting should or should not look like.
Forget The To Do Lists
The more we scroll social media, the more things we need to put on our parenting to do lists. From needing to make sure they’re eating enough fruits and vegetables, making sure they stay on top of school work and extracurriculars, getting them vaccinated (or not), or something as simple as having them stay on top of hygiene.
(I’m not here to debate. I’m not one to debate anyways, unless someone tells me that my Starbucks isn’t worth six dollars.)
We already have our own long list of to do’s, so let the expectations from others go! Whatever stage of life you and your kids are in, only you will know what to do for them. You are the only one that will know what to make sure gets done and what to let slide.
In our house we allow bed head and jammies for church. While others may see hair brushing and day time clothes a non-negotiable, we see it as an area we can give a little. Whatever you choose to put on your lists this coming year should be your choice only.
Say No To The Shame
Shame can turn around and walk itself right out the door. It is inevitable that are going to judge your parenting. I hope if you are reading this you are not one of those people.
That feeling of shame is going to be unwelcome in 2022, especially with parenting. We are no longer going to feel bad with bribing our children to behave. That’s the only way I get my kids to do anything anyways. We will not feel bad about letting them stay up super late on a school night to snuggle and watching a movie together.
That feeling does nothing good for us or our children. We are only second guessing what we already know is best for them at that moment in time. Let it go and be stand firm in your decision making. You’re kicking parenting butt, friend.
Hello 2022!
Just a few more moments left in 2021. Take a deep breath and exhale the negativity as you enter the new year. You are already an amazing mom, dad, foster parent, or step parent you can possibly be. Everyday you are going to keep doing your best and that is going to be good enough. You are enough.
Let’s make guilt a feeling of the past. Move on, move forward, and be okay with being you. That parent that is mostly forgiving, occasionally yelling, rule breaking, yet always loving is great! Enjoy your New Year’s Eve going out to do something extravagant or a night staying in and falling asleep maybe a bit early. Whatever it is, let go of the expectations from others.
