9 Realistic Resolutions for Moms

It’s the end of December and it’s time to make a list of grandiose ideas we have about the upcoming year. I like the notion of starting over just as much as the next, but the problem with resolutions is that they are so damn hard to maintain. They’re often hard to even begin.

If you want to avoid looking back in twelve months on all you never accomplished, I decided to help you mama’s out and offer you a realistic set of resolutions to choose from. This job is hard, let’s not make it even more difficult by boldly guaranteeing we’ll get to the bottom of the laundry pile.

9 Realistic Resolutions for Moms

Pee with the door shut. I have got so accustomed to using the bathroom with the door wide open (why shut it when they always open it or yell at you from the other room?) that I’ve started using the bathroom with the door open when company is over. Like, I literally never shut the door anymore, ever. We can do better. This year, let’s shut it.

Find a new hiding spot for my Oreo stash. They’ve figured out where I like to keep my sweet stash so now it’s time to change it up. I also need to learn how to open the package more quietly because they always walk out of their room the moment they hear the plastic ripping.

Get a normal bra. I know there are at least half of you still wearing your nursing bra even though your kids are old enough to wipe their own butt. I know because I was one of you. If you are no longer nursing, you no longer need a nursing bra. Take an hour to go try on a few new options and get something that fits you! Then toss your old bra in the garbage.

Drink your coffee hot once a week. Did you guys know coffee should be hot? I know, by the time you’re done dressing and brushing and feeding and driving that yours is normally cold, but that is actually not the proper way to drink it. Kid you not! Try it hot sometime.

Cook a meal at least once a week. Do you know the benefit of setting low expectations of yourself? That you can easily exceed them and then you feel pretty damn good about yourself. Setting the goal of one meal a week will make you feel like Martha Stewart if you wind up making three or four.

Embrace the mom bod. I am finally coming to the realization that my body is different now. I have two children and I’m over the age of 30 – things aren’t the same as they once were. I’m going to stop whining about the belly pouch and start being more thankful for the important things.

Get an extra large box of Kleenex. It’s not too expensive, even in bulk. It’s time to stop using our sleeves to wipe noses.

Tell yourself how wonderful you are every single day. I love the idea of daily mantra’s yet I never sustain them. How about this year instead of looking around in the morning and seeing the dishes we didn’t wash, we tell ourselves, “I’m a great mom, I’m doing a really great job.”

Realize how fast it goes. The dried PlayDoh stuck in your carpet, the bath toys all over the floor, they will be gone so soon. Realize you’ll have a lot of time for a clean home and quiet time when they’re off to college. Embrace the mess.

Happy New Year.