What's on your New Year's resolutions list? If you're a parent, perhaps your goal is to spend more quality time with your children, be more consistent in your rule-setting, be more patient, listen better or get them to listen to you.
New Year's resolutions are great, in theory, but we often give up on them before we hit February. So, below we've listed three simple parenting resolutions all parents can achieve in 2021.
Be present
Being present is the very essence of mindfulness. Anxiety is a future-orientated thought pattern, and the anxious mind causes many negative ideas in our here-and-now. Your children won't be young forever, and worrying about where they will be and what they will accomplish in their future, robs you of the precious moments you get to spend with them now.
Put aside the extra-murals, the homework, the chores, the screens, and make time to spend quality time with your child. Be sure to spend precious one-on-one time with each of your children. Listen to their thoughts, their fears, and all the emotions present in their lives.
"The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." — Abraham Maslow
Set the example
It's time to get rid of the age-old saying "Do as I say, not as I do." Your children are watching you very closely, and if your actions are not consistent with your words, you will find yourself in a power struggle. Demonstrate the behaviour you wish to see in your children. When we set rules for our children but then turn around and break the rules ourselves, we send conflicting messages and demonstrate to our children that the rules are optional.
"Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk." –Carl Jung
Get your own needs met
You are more than just "Mom" and "Dad". You have needs that didn't magically disappear the day you became a parent. Yes, as parents, we are inclined to give our all to our children; often at the expense of our mental health.
Making time for the things that calm you or excite you, helps restore your sense of identity. So, stop the guilt trip! Connecting with yourself - reading, writing, shopping, or even taking a weekend away with some friends will help you become a better parent. At the same time, you are setting an important example for your child on how to be independent and take the necessary responsibility to take care of yourself.
"There's nothing called a perfect parent, so just be a real one."- Sue Atkins
Become the parent you've always wanted to be in 2021. From the Western Cape to Gauteng, we have instructors hosting courses for parents with children of all ages. Get in touch or view our upcoming course calendar here: https://www.parents.co.za/upcoming-courses
Happy Holidays!
Learn more about our parenting course: https://www.parents.co.za/parent-training
Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult a professional on any medical or psychological concerns. The articles and blogs are posted only as opinion or ideas and are general in nature. The administrator takes no responsibility for any action or outcome a reader may make as a result of reading a post.