It’s the end of the month and time to do a check in for those of you who wrote out New Year’s Resolutions. I actually prefer to write parenting goals.
I think one of the valuable things about writing goals as a parent is it forces you to think about those things you need to change. We can easily look at our children and name off the things they could improve upon, yet neglect to see our own faults.
Let’s face it…we aren’t perfect as parents. We can all use some improvements. And I will be the first to admit this.
I can especially admit to having bigger struggles with my youngest son who surprise, surprise…is so much like me. They say it’s the child most like you that you tend to butt heads with the most.
It’s funny how his impatience and honesty can sometimes get on my nerves, yet they are the same characteristics I display. Before you think I’m crazy to suggest honesty is a negative thing, I should probably clarify it’s his candidness I’m talking about, which isn’t always so welcomed.
At any rate, I know that with my youngest I need to be much more patient and tolerant. I am working on it. I have had my victorious moments but then I have had my slips.
The problem is relearning. When you have done something in a certain way for so long, it takes an
ability to relearn. You have to stop the old habits and develop new ones. I have to stop reacting and learn to respond.
I certainly have other goals but this check in has gotten me thinking about the progress and lack of progress I have made. If you haven’t already put together a list of parenting goals for this year, I encourage you to do so.
You will be a better parent for it.
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