I can’t believe another year has come and gone. It feels like we were just juggling holiday chaos and end-of-year festivities, and now we’re standing at the doorway of a whole new year. I wanted to take a moment to wish every one a Happy New Year, and share a few uplifting thoughts as we step into this next chapter.
A Fresh Start (Without the Pressure)
There’s something about the promise of a new year that fills us with hope and excitement. It’s a chance to look ahead with fresh eyes, set intentions, and dream about the possibilities waiting for us. But let’s be honest: when you’re a mom juggling the needs of kids, the idea of New Year’s resolutions can also bring its share of pressure. Questions pop up like, “Am I doing enough?” or, “Will I be able to keep this new routine going?”
Guess what? It’s perfectly okay to set your sights on simple, manageable goals. Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on small changes that make daily life a bit smoother—like adjusting bedtime routines, carving out ten minutes of “quiet time” for yourself, or encouraging your child to help with an extra chore each day. These little victories count just as much as the big ones, and they’ll do wonders for your peace of mind. Remember, progress..not perfection.
Reflecting on the Past Year
Before we leap into what’s next, let’s take a moment to reflect on the last 12 months. It’s important to acknowledge the strides we’ve made, the challenges we’ve tackled, and the lessons we’ve learned—especially in an ADHD household, where consistency and patience play starring roles.
- Celebrate the Wins: Maybe your child became more independent in getting ready for school, or you established a more consistent bedtime routine. Give yourself a pat on the back for those accomplishments. They’re huge!
- Recognize Growth: Even if things didn’t always go according to plan, did you notice any positive changes in how your child managed their emotions or tasks? It might be subtle, but every step forward matters.
- Identify What Didn’t Work: Sometimes, a routine or approach just isn’t a good fit—that’s okay! Learning what doesn’t work can guide us to solutions that do. Embrace it as part of the process.
Setting Intentions (Over Resolutions)
Rather than making rigid resolutions, consider setting intentions. Intentions are more flexible and focus on the “why” behind our goals, not just the end result. Here are a few mom-friendly ideas:
- “I Intend to Practice Patience”: This might mean taking a few deep breaths when your child is on meltdown alert, or pausing before reacting to a frustrating situation.
- “I Intend to Ask for Help When Needed”: Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or a support group for ADHD moms, reaching out before you’re at your wit’s end can ease stress.
- “I Intend to Find More Joy in the Little Moments”: We often focus on big milestones, but what about that spontaneous hug from your child or that quiet moment you got to sip your coffee? Cherish the small stuff!
Why Intentions Work: They’re rooted in day-to-day experiences and can adapt to life’s natural ebb and flow—perfect for families where unpredictability sometimes rules.
Final Thoughts
As we look to the new year, remember that parenting a child with ADHD is both a challenge and a privilege. Yes, it can test our patience, creativity, and resilience. But it also invites us to see the world through bright, curious eyes and to treasure the uniqueness our kids bring to the table.
Here’s my hope for all parents:
- May the coming year bring you fresh motivation, renewed patience, and a wealth of supportive moments.
- May your kids feel understood, loved, and capable—even on days when ADHD seems to throw every curveball in the book.
- And may you find comfort in knowing that there are many resources available to assist you on your journey.
Happy New Year from our family to yours! May it be filled with hope, joy, and endless possibilities.
