I know, I know, making New Year's Resolutions is maybe a bit lame and out of date, but every year I still love the idea of a fresh start to a new year. It is a great time to evaluate what you are doing right and what you want to change.
Now that we are approaching the end of January, it's a good time to self-check and see how those resolutions are coming along.
On New Year's Eve, I decided to get my kids involved in making some resolutions. I tried to explain to them what they are and talked about some of my resolutions. They seemed little interested in the idea.
"Come on," I said. "Isn't there something you would like to do better or accomplish this year?"
Again, I was met with blank stares. After a few minutes, though, one of them did say something about resolving to win a video game they had been working on ... not exactly the kind of resolution I had in mind, but at least this child was thinking.
I pushed forward and shared my resolutions; one of them being to hug my children goodnight every night. Yes, I am a little surprised myself that I have gotten away from doing this. I guess that as my kids got older and more independent and I no longer had to "tuck them into bed," the hugs became less frequent.
I thought my words had fallen on deaf ears, as the topic of conversation soon moved on to our plans for our New Year's Eve celebration.
However, that night after ALL my kids managed to stay up past midnight, I heard one of my children calling down the hall, "Don't forget, you promised to hug us goodnight every night!"
What mom can resist climbing out of bed after hearing that? The fact that it meant something to her made me realize even more how important it is that of all resolutions, this is one I need to follow through on.
You see, every day our kids are growing up. With one approaching high school and my baby in Kindergarten, I've realized even more how my time with them is slipping away. I've got to cherish them and make time for the little things, even things like a goodnight hug. Before I know it, those beds will be empty.
So maybe it is a bit lame to make resolutions just because of some arbitrary date on the calendar, but this year I'm glad I took the time to do it and to make them known. Because really, anything that motivates us to make positive changes in our life, or in the life of our kids, is a good thing.
Karen Thomas is a stay at home mom of four daughters, has been on the PTA board at her kids' school for four years, and is a volunteer at her church, in addition to her activities as a volunteer soccer referee, a piano teacher, and a runner. Her column will appear here every Thursday. Comments are welcome.
0 comments:
Post a Comment