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Parenting has become increasingly overwhelming and difficult to navigate year after year. Parents are often guided by trends and new technologies, from gentle parenting to raising so-called “iPad kids.” With so many voices offering advice, no wonder so many parents feel uncertain, exhausted, and guilty all at once.
This year, parents should not leave making New Year’s resolutions to fitness gurus, influencers, or productivity experts. Parenting deserves just as much focus. Instead of resolutions that don’t create lasting change, let’s commit to seven parenting resolutions that have the power to truly shift our family legacy, even if they challenge us and those around us.
1. Stop wasting time feeling guilty.
The time we spend worrying is time we cannot get back. If you’re concerned about your child’s diet, improve it. If you’re worried about schoolwork, invest more time helping them or seek support. Instead of feeling guilty about how much time you spend at work, create meaningful opportunities for connection instead.
Over the years, I’ve noticed an almost ceremonial habit among parents: feeling better simply by saying they feel bad. This year, we will be willing to do the work. Don’t worry, just work!
2. Stop feeling responsible for providing entertainment for every moment of our children’s lives.
Our children do not need to be constantly stimulated. Teaching them how to sit with their thoughts, manage boredom, and create their own joy is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Boredom builds resilience, confidence, and creativity. This year, we will resolve to make sure we support our children in learning to handle boredom positively.
3. Reduce screen time for ourselves and our children.
Keep track of usage. Most phones show screentime if you search in the settings, so it does not require any extra work on your end. Find that amount and seek to reduce that time daily. Focus on card games and outdoor activities for children. Children learn far more from what we model than what we restrict, so this resolution starts with us.
4. Prioritize connection.
We live in a busy time. Raising our children to understand that what is most important are the moments we spend in the presence of those we love has a lasting impact. When children grow up knowing that connection matters more than schedules, they develop security, confidence, and empathy.
5. Avoid parenting to appease the culture.
Take charge of what happens at your house. “Their friends are doing it” cannot decide what you introduce into your children’s lives. This is not about being contrary. This is about being purposeful. If it does not help your children become who you believe they should become, pivot, replace it, delay it, or avoid it.
6. Resolve to be fit, healthy parents.
Instead of watching our children do sports while we scroll on our phones. Take that time to walk, jog, or stretch. Our children do not just benefit from exercising themselves; they also benefit from seeing healthy behaviors modeled. Health does not end with physical change; it helps us have more energy, be more present, and lead by example. We become the parent we want to be when our bodies are stronger.
7. Enjoy life more!
Laugh louder, play more. Don’t let life happen to you; happen to life! One of the many reasons why it seems that time flies is because we are rarely present to enjoy the moments. Share more of yourself with your family. One thing my children absolutely love is when I share my journey in life with them. My mistakes, triumphs, and choices teach them so much about who I am and teach them who they are.
Parenting is not about perfection. It’s about intention. These resolutions aren’t about adding pressure; they’re about removing what no longer serves your family and leaning into what does. It is time to say goodbye to overwhelmed, exhausted, modern parenting that pushes us away from prioritizing connection. Say hello to confident, connected parenting.
Psych. Today
