It’s that time again, where you look back on the year about to end and remember all the things you promised yourself you would change/ do better/ stop. What happened? This time last year you were so full of determination, so sure you would succeed! Why didn’t you stick to your resolutions?

We ALL do it. We make half-hearted resolutions that we just cannot keep. Yes, there are things that we genuinely want to change about our lives or our parenting, but somehow and for some reason, when they turn into resolutions it’s just impossible to make them happen. Well, fear no more! Babyhuddle is about to come to your rescue with some top tips to help you make New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep!

• Learn from your mistakes!  If you make the same promises every year, don’t make them again this year! Accept that some things make you who you are and embrace those things instead. You’ll feel a lot better about yourself.
• Take small steps.  Don’t endeavour to climb Mount Everest straight away. Start with a few hills first and work yourself up to it.
• Plan achievable goals.  If you want to, for example, get a little more fitter in 2013, make sure you make that end goal achievable (in small steps, see above!) so that you cannot fail. Start with family walks once a week, then increase them to every other day, for example. The more you do, the more you’re likely to want to do. Keep your end goal in sight and accept that it might take you all year to get there.
• Go easy on yourself.  Don’t be disheartened if you take a stumble in your resolutions. Nobody expects you to stick rigorously to your resolutions (apart from yourself) all year long. If you have an ‘off day’ then so be it. Mark it up to experience and start the next day afresh.
• Be realistic. If your resolution is to run the London Marathon and you’ve never participated in a run of any sort before, then you might want to have another think! There is a quote somewhere that reminds us we are all geniuises- as long as we don’t expect a fish to climb a tree, or something like that. Work on your strengths and strive to improve your existing talents.
• Share your plans. If you tell people you are going to finally write that novel, or play more with the kids, or read a book a month, you’re more likely to achieve that goal. Ask others around you to encourage you- or even join you!
• There’s strength in numbers! Leading on from the last point- if you need motivation, ask friends or family to join you. Having a shared goal can really help when you’re struggling. Another great idea is to get the kids to join in too. I just read this fab post by Super Mommy about Resolutions for kids- have a read and see if the kids can come up with some of their own.
• Ditch the resolutions. Yes, I know that sounds contradictory, given the title of this post. But remember the first point. If you’re really going to learn from your mistakes and history dictates that resolutions and you don’t mix- then don’t make any! Instead, write a list of all the things in your life that you’re proud of and strive to continue the good work instead!

If you are serious about making resolutions, these tips should help you. Babyhuddle strives to provide tips and advice to all parents and so our resolution is to simply continue with what we do best! That’s why we’re asking for your help. As the new year approaches, we want to talk about parenting with you. We want to know what works for you, what doesn’t work, and what you’d like to improve upon.

Parenting is a never-ending learning experience to say the least, and the mum who says she knows it all is the mum with the most to learn! Our children are constantly changing the rules, moving the markers and complicating the results. As they grow and develop, so should our parenting skills- and this is where Babyhuddle wants to help.

We’re looking for volunteers to write about an aspect of parenting they would like to improve upon in the new year. It might be issues surrounding sleep, behaviour, or mealtimes. It might be a pledge to play together more as a family, or take up a new sport together. You might want to indulge in more creative or crafty activities as a family, or you might- as a parent- want to take time our for yourself. Whatever it is you think you want to make changes to this year, we want to hear it. And if you think you can offer advice or tips on any parenting issues, we’d love to hear from you too! Please leave a comment on this post or email info@babyhuddle.com

In the meantime, Babyhuddle would like to thank you for making 2012 such an amazing year- we cannot wait to share 2013 with you too!