New Year’s Resolutions for Moms – Easy, healthy resolutions and tips for the new year that will make life easier for Mom… and the whole family! We have made it through another 365 days. Looking forward, you might be thinking about setting some mom goals. Before you do, here are just a few to consider…
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New Year’s Resolutions for Moms
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #1 – Make Realistic Goals
The bar tends to be set pretty high after New Year’s resolutions have been made, and that’s why, every year, resolutions are often broken. Make sure the goals you are setting are within your reach. Instead of vowing to become a fitness goddess, slowly start introducing healthier eating habits and simple exercises into your life. Instead of resolving to clean your entire house in one day, aim to thoroughly clean one room in your house each month. This way, your New Year’s resolutions won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #2 – Exercise Goals
No, not for you – for your children! As a result of screen time at an all-time high, many children are not getting the daily physical activity they need. While school sports are a great way to keep them active, it is important to keep in mind that they aren’t for everyone. If this is your child, try to brainstorm activities that are not competition-related. For example, bike rides, hiking around the neighborhood, dancing or tag. So turn off the video games, close the laptops and make it a priority to “cut the cord” and get outside at least 30 minutes a day.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #3 – Learn to Say No
Moms often wear many different hats – chef, tutor, chauffeur, referee and so on – and as a result, it can be easy to get burned out. Next time you’re asked to wear another hat, consider your options, and if you are feeling overwhelmed don’t be afraid to say “no.” There is nothing wrong with having a little free time in your schedule, and in the end, your kids will probably appreciate the little extra time they get to spend with you.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #4 – One on One Time
For families with multiple children, it can be difficult to get quality one-on-one time with each child. At times, you probably feel pulled in many different directions because everyone wants a piece of Mom all the time. You may feel unfair at times if you’re spending more time with one child. Unfortunately, it is impossible to be in multiple places at once, and science has not yet perfected the art of cloning. Until then, consider planning one-on-one dates with each of your children as often as you feel you can. Go shopping, go to the park or take them to the movie they’ve been dying to see. They will feel special and you will feel better balance in your life.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #5 – Treat Yourself
Moms have a tendency to spend all their time ensuring their children’s and partner’s needs are met, leaving no time for themselves and their needs. When is the last time you set aside more than 20 minutes for yourself? If you cannot remember, it is probably time to prioritize yourself. Whether it is a date night, a girls’ night out, a spa day or even that purse you’ve had your eye on, go for it! Remember, even though you’re a mom, you’re still human. You are allowed to make mistakes and you are allowed to take a timeout for yourself. In the end, your family will thank you for it because they will have a happier, more relaxed mother.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #6 – Start Saving for College
It’s never too early or too late to start saving for your children’s education. Whether you’re a mom to a newborn or a teenager, you can start saving today.
Michigan Education Trust (MET) is the state’s 529 prepaid tuition plan which allows parents, grandparents, businesses and others to prepurchase undergraduate tuition for any child residing in Michigan. The prepaid tuition is based on today’s rates and then paid out at the future tuition costs when the child is ready for college. This plan does not restrict a student’s choice in school – they can direct refund payments to any eligible university in the nation, including both private and public schools. Not to mention, both the total contract price and any monthly payments made are tax deductible on the purchaser’s Michigan income taxes in the year the purchases were made.
For more information, visit www.SETwithMET.com.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #7 – Make Family Time A Priority
We all get busy. Between work, school, soccer games, birthday parties, PTA meetings and other activities, families have a tendency to work more like a well-oiled machine. Unfortunately, robotically going about your day often leads to little quality family time. So whether it is making it a priority to sit down for dinner every night or planning a fun weekend outing every other weekend, make time for your family because before you know it your children will be grown up with families of their own.
New Year’s Resolutions for Moms #8 – Go to Bed Earlier
I know what you’re thinking – easier said than done, right? Especially when you are helping with a science fair project until 11 p.m. or maybe your cranky little one just will not go to sleep. All moms have their nights occasionally, but we should not make a habit of them. Sleep deprivation can often lead to health issues such as heart disease, depression and weight gain, but it can also have a negative effect on your daily life at work and home. If you want to be more productive at work or at home, aim for the recommended daily eight hours of sleep.
Now you are equipped to take on the year with confidence! Remember, no one is perfect, but you can strive to be the most perfect you.
This New Year’s Resolutions for Moms article is provided by Michigan Education Trust (MET), Michigan’s 529 prepaid tuition plan which allows for easy transfer of undergrad tuition for any child residing in Michigan. For more information, visit www.SETwithMET.com.
