Every year, as the calendar turns, I find myself reflecting on how to enhance our lives in the upcoming year. I usually draft a list of resolutions that blend ambition with realism. You can bet there’s always a fitness goal on there that fizzles out by January 4. There’s almost always a resolution about keeping my cool when the kids push my buttons, and of course, I vow to spend more quality time with my partner—a promise that vanishes as soon as the flood of birthday party invites and T-ball schedules hits.
Recently, I took some time to evaluate how I can elevate my role as a parent, partner, and individual. After some serious introspection, I arrived at the conclusion that I’m doing just fine—and that I’m not the one who really needs to make adjustments.
It’s not because I’m a perfect mother or an exceptional partner. I’m far from it. I’m not at my ideal weight, and I certainly don’t maintain a serene demeanor at all times. Instead, I realized that I’m the one constantly managing the chaos created by others. I’m not the one who loses track of their clothes or thinks that cleaning half the dishes suffices. I’m not the one who storms off in a huff, leaving a trail of emotional fallout behind. I’m the one picking up those pieces.
So, if you’re a mom like me, instead of listing all the ways you can improve, let’s focus on how your family could step up. Here’s a fresh take on what they should resolve to do this year:
- Pick Up After Yourselves. We don’t live in a palace. Your laundry hamper is within reach—use it! And those shoes you leave lying around? I’ve almost tripped over them a dozen times. If I did fall, who would help? Oh right—you would!
- Dispose of Your Own Trash. Even if I’m standing right next to a trash can, don’t hand me your leftovers and wrappers. That can is perfectly capable of handling them—find it!
- Don’t Demand Attention When I’m Busy. To my partner, I love you dearly, but if you want to rekindle romance, try a little foreplay—like helping out around the house. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?
- Keep Your Opinions on Dinner to Yourselves. Kids, when I was your age, I had to eat liver and onions once a month, and “kid-friendly food” wasn’t even a thing! If you don’t like what’s on your plate, eat it anyway or learn to cook.
- Take Responsibility for Homework. Your melodramatic outbursts about “how awful homework is” are not amusing. Your job is to be a nice human and excel in school—do your homework without fuss.
- Engage with Your Kids without Expectation. Listen, just because I carried them doesn’t mean I’m solely responsible for their upbringing. When you help out, it’s part of being a parent, not a superhero.
- Tie Your Own Shoes. Everyone in this house is capable of tying their own laces. If you trip over them, you’ll understand why it’s necessary to bend down for ten seconds.
- Reach Out to Your Own Parents. I’m not the keeper of family ties. If you want your folks to know what’s happening with our kids, you need to tell them. And when they visit, it’s not just my job to entertain them.
- Think Before You Speak. I appreciate your honesty, kids, but not every thought needs to be voiced. Keep some comments to yourselves, especially if they’re about me. I have enough to deal with!
- Let Me Sleep! If my eyes are closed, it means I’m resting. Unless there’s a genuine emergency, let me be. I’m a much nicer person when I’m well-rested—it’s in your best interest!
So, while it’s commendable to want to improve ourselves, perhaps the most important resolution for the new year is to cut ourselves some slack. Parenting is no easy feat, and we’re doing our best. Your partner and kids would agree, but they’re likely preoccupied with picking up their clutter.
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Summary
This article presents a humorous and candid take on New Year’s resolutions for families, shifting the focus from self-improvement for moms to necessary changes for family members. The author advocates for shared responsibility and better communication, encouraging families to take ownership of their roles in creating a harmonious household.