One week into the new year… How are your New Year’s Resolutions going?
I already told you about the one resolution that stuck for me… I’m hoping my resolution this year will go as well.
Am I trying to lose weight?
No.
Keep my house clean?
Nope.
Quit a bad habit?
No…
Well, I guess in a way maybe I do… I want to change how I interact with my children. I want to become a more gentle and loving mother.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my children more than the world. What I want is to make sure they know that, EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY. And not just because I tell them. I want them to know I love them through my actions – after all, actions speak louder than words. Right?
My goals? To not raise my voice as often, to THINK before I speak and NOT use hurtful words, and to tame my temper which has had me spank my children a few times lately before I even realized I was doing it.
After settling on what my resolution for 2012 was going to be, I found a link to this awesome challenge…
The challenge on WomenLivingWell.org is perfect timing for me, with the first week of the challenge coinciding with the beginning of the new year.
This week the challenge asks us to slow down, to listen more, to hug more, to smile more… The goal here is to slowly implement changes to replace those negative ones – the yelling, the over-disciplining, the “grouchy mean Mommy” stuff…
So I’m off to play more and sneak in a few hugs. And when my daughter spills water on the floor for the umpteenth time, I will help her clean it up and NOT lecture her for the millionth time to be more careful. And I will say more than a few prayers for extra patience.
After all, none of us can do it alone.
Mommy With Selective Memory says
January 9, 2012 at 8:03 amI love this and apprecaite your honesty! I find myself losing my temper too and I often wonder if I’m the only one! They are usually so sweet and just being wild to get my attention but don’t understand that it’s really irritating! I love your resolution thanks for sharing it with the world!! 🙂
admin says
January 9, 2012 at 3:54 pmOh, they definitely do things for attention at times! 🙂 I have found that if I schedule our day so we have time spread out throughout the day where we do activities together/playtime together, their behaviour is tons better. But, Mommy needs to get a few things done during the day, and that’s when they get creative.
Kristen says
January 9, 2012 at 9:11 amI’m trying to be more patient too as you know and this morning I wasn’t so great but I wasn’t as horrible as I would have been a few weeks ago. Instead of yelling, I just told my daughter to go to her room and I would talk to her when I calmed myself a bit. A few weeks ago, I most likely would have been quick to jump down her throat. I’m hoping that by seeing me be more cautious and careful about what comes out of my mouth that she will to.
admin says
January 9, 2012 at 3:56 pmThat’s part of my hope, too. I don’t want them to thnk yelling is the solution when things don’t go their way – and for them to learn that, they need a role model to show them.
Jen says
January 9, 2012 at 5:49 pmMine are grown now as you know, but I love that you are so open and honest about a subject that every mother has dealt with- present or past.
There can only be benefits for you both from this resolution, what a great idea.
admin says
January 10, 2012 at 2:53 pmThank you — sometimes it is hard to be open about your faults, but everyone has them. And you’re right, I’m pretty sure all parents have their moments where we feel we’ve been to harsh. Here’s hoping for a positive change!
Sue says
January 9, 2012 at 6:44 pmI have been a very cranky mum to my kids lately and I hate how I’m being. This sounds like a great idea, and well worth me doing. Thanks for sharing.
admin says
January 10, 2012 at 2:37 pmA good thing just needs shared… Thanks for stopping by!
Broot says
January 10, 2012 at 3:36 amI think that’s an excellent resolution. One thing I did that really improved how my children & I interacted together was by removing the word “don’t” from my vocabulary. Instead of saying “Don’t do that!” I spent about 2 years adjusting my thinking so instead, what came out of my mouth was what they could do. “Don’t jump on the couch!” became “Sit down on the couch” or “Go jump on the trampoline!” as an example. Telling them what they can do gets much happier results! 🙂 Thanks for visiting me on my SITS day! 🙂
admin says
January 10, 2012 at 2:35 pmSo true, I need to cut out the “don’t” also… And I can definitely understand how telling them what they CAN do can make that positive difference. Can’t wait to check out your site some more!
Lorie says
January 10, 2012 at 3:20 pmWhat a great resolution! I think most of us could use some help in this department.
Thanks for your comment at Reading Confetti!
Missy | Literal Mom says
January 11, 2012 at 10:40 amWhat a great resolution. So important and sometimes so hard to implement! Thanks for commenting on my SITS post on Monday. It’s good to meet you!
Isabel says
January 11, 2012 at 4:31 pmI love how you said “…none of us can do it alone.” I forget this time and time again, and sometimes drive myself batty. I need to remember to reach out more to other mothers and to God more when i’m having ‘one of those moments’…
admin says
January 12, 2012 at 10:36 amSo true. Guess my post was a way to reach out and let others see they aren’t alone.
Torrie says
January 12, 2012 at 11:09 pmGreat post! I love doing this challenge along side you!!