Parenting in the New Year
A new year is a time when we think about changes we would like to make.
Whether it be a resolution, a goal, or a thought, oftentimes the distance from where we would like to be and where we are now can seem insurmountable. A goal or a list can cause paralyzing overwhelm, and therefore, nothing happens. Change is crucial and possible, but it needs to be done in a way that makes it possible for YOU. Instead of trying to achieve a big change, try achieving a small change, then another small change. . . and then, when added to each other over time, they will become something BIG! After all, a baby step is still a step forward.
Pick one thing you would like to do with your children in the next year. Examples might look something like this:
Say, “I love you,” to your children every day.
Say a prayer every day, or invite God into the day.
Pick a frequency– once a day, weekly, every two weeks– and have a meal with your children.
Play a game together once a week or once per month.
Decide how often you will have carved-out family time.
Attend church together.
When picking what little change you would like to make for the coming year, it is important to think through any hidden obstacles that might make it difficult to make this change. For example, if you decide you want to eat dinner together once a week, but later realize work and activity schedules won’t easily allow it, don’t be afraid to tweak things to make this work for your family. Instead of dinner together, maybe a Sunday lunch would be more easily attainable? If you decide you want to go to church every week with your children and your current frequency is once per year, maybe going every week is unrealistic. First you could try going once a month for a while, and then increase your frequency. Do what works for your family!
There’s one rule: If you mess up and don’t have any success, don’t give it all up and think that you’ve failed. Maybe you just need to try again. Perhaps you need to adjust your plan, and then try again. Most importantly, don’t give up! This journey of parenting is not easy, but it is so worth your efforts.
Remember, small changes add up to big results.
