Start 2018 off right by making a few New Year’s parenting resolutions.

Does this scene seem familiar? You are lying awake in bed staring at the ceiling going through all of the day’s parenting decisions and wondering if you are screwing it all up. Was I patient enough? Did I say no when I should have said yes? Let’s make 2018 the year that we cut ourselves a little slack as parents and as people with PLN’s parenting New Year’s resolutions.

1. Let it go. The fact that you yelled when you should have listened. That you didn’t read that extra story last night and instead chose to be a hardass. You can’t change the past by dwelling on it. Let 2018 be the year you live by doing your best in the present and better in the future.

2. Do less and enjoy it more. Learn to say no, or better yet, learn not to offer to do things unless you truly want to do them. Don’t feel obligated to volunteer for every little thing. Instead, give your time where you want to and be able to enjoy it instead of stressing out because of how overextended you are.

3. See yourself the way your children do. My daughters think I am super cool. While this is sure to come to an abrupt end at some point in the near future, I am going to enjoy the little ego boost as long as it lasts. At four, five and seven, my girls think I am the coolest, most beautiful creature that has ever roamed the earth. I take every ‘you’re so beautiful, Mommy’, and tuck it away in my soul in order to survive the teenage years when I will inevitably embarrass the crap out of them.

4. Make time for yourself. I know, easier said than done. It can be as simple as taking the time to do what brings you joy. Love a good bubble bath? I take as many as I can, sometimes kid-free and sometimes with a crowd. Read a good book if that’s your thing. My kids love the experience of going to our local library and there are programs and toys to make it a super fun outing. You can even often download an app to “borrow” e-books from the comfort of your own home if you don’t want to worry about late fees. Ask your librarian for more info.

5. Make time for friends. There is nothing as reenergizing as blowing off a little steam with good friends. Whether you want to do a playdate or hang out kid-free, making time to get out and have some good ‘adulting’ time helps you to be a better parent. You can see the humour in even the hardest parenting disasters and know that you aren’t alone.

So what do you think PLNers? What are your parenting resolutions for 2018? Let us know in the comments what resolutions you think will be helpful for you to adopt this year.