13 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Working Moms in 2013, Part 3

New Year’s Resolutions are all the rage this time of year. Here are some realistic new year’s resolutions any working mom can pull off…with a little planning.

Read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series on ways working moms can make realistic new year’s resolutions.
Here are three more realistic resolutions:

7. I worry that my oldest child will feel left out, once the baby is here. My resolution is to spend more quality time.

How to Pull This Off:

I definitely experienced this while pregnant with my second child.  There is a seven year age difference between the two, so we had become accustomed to spending a lot of one-on-one time together.  In fact, recently, my son (the oldest) has reminded me that I told him nothing would change, once the baby was here.  Lord, I hope I didn’t really say that…if I did I was crazy.

I make a concerted effort to emphasize and make special the time when I only have one child with me.  Whether it’s taking someone to school or going to the grocery store, I allow that child to make a decision about what music to listen to or to help with the errand we are running.

8. “I’d like to spend less money on unneeded stuff and save it for a vacation with the kids.”

How to Pull This Off:

You will need to define what unneeded stuff is, first. Then, you will be better equipped to stop that spending. My spending weaknesses are convenience items, fast food, and not using coupons when I grocery shop. I’m more of a find-a-way-to-get-what-you-want-cheaper kind of girl.

Also, you should, as a family, start to make decisions about your family vacation.  This will get everyone excited and will help you stick to your decisions as you look at that photo on your refrigerator (or in your wallet) or your vacation brochure.

9. “I am going to get up earlier…so I can eat breakfast with them every morning.”

How to Pull This Off:

I have successfully woke up before my children for a few years now.  I have an hour after I get my oldest on the school bus, before I need to leave the house.  He prefers to eat breakfast with friends at school and my daughter eats breakfast at preschool.  When I’m at my best, I have spent this time in reading my Bible and working on this blog.  Quiet time is at a premium in my house with a 3-year-old.

In the past, I’ve eaten a portable breakfast or at my desk at work, while getting setup for the day.  Family dinner has worked well for us, when I worked full-time during the day.  The kids helped get dinner ready or we would heat up leftovers, all in time for when dad gets home.

Stay tuned for Part 4 of Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Working Moms in 2013…

What’s on your list of resolutions this year?