8 Real-Mum Resolutions For The New Year

I’m going to promise myself to stop checking emails and other work-related communication by 6pm each day.

With the convenience of working remotely through smart phones etc, it’s so easy to ‘be there but not be there’, i.e., sitting on the couch with the kids (being there) and checking email (not being there).

In the new year, my daughter is going to get my attention when I get home from work – not my laptop or phone.

-- Ping Nee, 37, mum of a 6-year-old girl.

No more special meals for my picky eater – I’m done with slaving in the kitchen over separate meals for her and the rest of us!

At 4 years old, I think my little girl is old enough to eat what we eat and so this year, I’m going to help her expand her palate and become a more adventurous, rather than fussy, eater.

-- Jo, 27.

As my kids grow up, I find they’re spending more time in front of a screen – be it the TV or phone – than needed.

I know this is bad for them, but sometimes, to be honest, it’s just easier for me to let them watch TV while I attend to a chore. But no more of this in the new year.

I’ve made a promise to myself than I’m going to get the whole family involved in outdoor activities in the new year. As a family, we’re going to get healthy and have fun while we’re at it!

-- Shruti, 40, mum of 10- and 12-year-old boys.

Yes I know – this is one all mums promise to themselves at some point: "I will have more patience with my kids." But really, I’ve found myself losing it on several occasions this past year with my 12-year-old daughter and I’ve felt so guilty afterwards.

So yes, I am going to try my very best to be more patient with her in the new year. She needs me as she enters her teenage years and for this, I need to be at my patient best!

-- Pearl, 38.

I have a confession that’s probably not so secret – I feel so guilty when I dedicate time to myself.

The other day, I left my 1.5 year old boy with my helper for the first time ever, while I headed out to catch up with my girlfriends. But sad to say, I just couldn’t enjoy the time I had to myself, with my friends.

I was calling my helper every 10 minutes to find out how Jason (my son) was doing and after I heard him crying once – that was it. I needed to leave early and head home because I felt so guilty.

But no more of this in the new year, I have decided to do away with mummy guilt. If I am to be the best mother that I can, I need to look after myself too and have some down time.

-- Yasmin, 27.

Kids these days are so privileged and usually get what they want. The other day, I was cleaning out my children’s room with them and was shocked at the amount of toys they have that they don’t even play with.

I think parents need to stop falling into the trap of consumerism and teach our kids the same. So in the new year, my pledge is to get my children involved in volunteering some of their time to help the less fortunate.

A first step in this process is to get them to choose any gently used toys and clothes they don’t want to donate. Teaching empathy and generosity to our children is something money can never buy.

-- Sandra, 35, mum of 9-year-old twin girls.

I am lucky to have a wonderful helper, but I’ve realised that I depend on her more than I really should to take care of things at home.

I want to feel on top of things again. So in the new year, I have promised myself that, among other things, I am going to take my child to the playground instead of sending her with my helper and I am going to cook dinner for my family at least a few times a week.

My helper will get more rest this way and I can start feeling more in control of my household again.

-- Rina, 30, mum of a 3-year-old girl.