As this year is coming to a close, I’m getting closer to being the mother of a 2-year old. I also have a new baby at home with us- that means I have given a lot of thought on how I want to “mom” this time around. But not only that, I just want to be a better mother to my sons as well.

So, I’ve compiled a list of resolutions that I’m taking into the new year…and they’re all about my mothering skills. Hey, it’s been rough with a new baby at home and a toddler who likes to scream at me! After I’ve laid down to bed at night, I have time to go over my day in my head and decide if that’s how it should’ve gone.

This also means, you get a sneak peek into my life as mom. Oh boy.

My New Year’s, Mom Resolutions

1. I’m going to be more patient.

I’m not going to throw the book after my son hands it to me to read to him for the 7th time in a row. I should be grateful that he wants to spend time with me. We get cuddles and it’s a wonderful way for me to teach him that isn’t forced. He wants to learn!

2. I’ll let the dishes wait.

I feel like I talk about the dishes- a lot. Well, we go through a lot of them in my house. I need to learn to not be so crazy about cleaning them. Yes, they need to be washed…but my children are more important! If anyone comes over, and my house is a mess, they should understand. If not… Toodles!

3. I’ll take them out more.

This resolution terrifies me. The other day I left the house with both of them by myself, for the first time. I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack. Every few minutes I braced myself, waiting for the moment to strike when my son leaps out of the cart, screaming. After which  people would stare and judge me, while thinking about “what horrible mother” I am. It never happened. But he did get upset, my daughter had to nurse, it was naptime, and I was hungry. I survived. I think next time we go out,  I’ll take them to the park, or go on a long walk. I don’t think we’re quite ready to tackle actual responsibilities like grocery shopping.

4. I’ll stop being anxious.

This isn’t necessarily a resolution for mothering- but more for myself. I want to keep my sanity, to be a better mother. For example, going back to what I talked about in number 3; It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks of me when I am out with my kids. If they really think I’m a horrible mom, then that’s fine. You should see how amazing I am at 7am when I’d been up all night and still haven’t had my coffee! We all have our moments and I just need to learn to be okay with that!

5. I will take more time for myself.

This is a big one. I workout all the time…ALL the time. When I had my first, that changed for awhile, until I figured out a way to workout with him. After that, all became right in my world again, fitness wise. But since having my daughter, it’s been SO hard to work out at much as I normally would. The thing is- for a few weeks, I have let myself be okay with sitting around and not doing much. Fitness is a passion of mine and it makes me very happy. It keeps me SANE. There are things we can do as mothers which help us be better mothers.

Sometimes that thing is as simple as taking an hour to go to the gym. Or instead, hang out in the garage and get in a lift session. For me, it’s so therapeutic- and if I am having a bad day, it will help me blow off some steam. In turn, I am a much calmer parent and much more patient with my kids.

Come on, I am not the only one that needs to be more calm!

These are my five main motherhood resolutions which will help me and my children have a smoother transition into the new year!  Are there any parenting new year’s resolutions that you can come up with?

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Abigail Dougherty

A 27 year old from Wisconsin but currently stationed in California with a happy marriage and two rainbow babies. Abigail is currently in the Navy and is also a certified personal trainer. I am a kinesiology major who plans to use her knowledge to help her do more in the fitness industry. She’s a breastfeeding, cloth diapering, essential oil using, gym freak, babywearing, kind of mom. Abigail loves empowering and encouraging women to be who they are and to take pride in that.