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

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.

I recently read an article on Parenting Magazine’s site: Moms’ and Dads’ New Year’s Resolutions.  The article featured 18 resolutions that parents make.  That sounded like way too many.  So, I shortened the list and added practical tips on how to actually pull New Year’s resolutions off.

1.  “I am going to spend less time cleaning and more time playing!
The kids won’t remember if the house was perfectly clean all the time but they will remember having fun with me.”

How to Pull This Off:

Spend less time cleaning by using time-saving cleaning products like Swiffer sweeper, Swiffer mop, microfiber cloths, or Swiffer duster.  One of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, shares great tips like How to Speed Clean Your Kitchen and How to Speed Clean Your Bath.  MoneySavingMom even has a  Whip Your House Into Shape in 2 Hours checklist.  Kill two birds with one stone by doing chores with the kids.

2.  “Get outside more… it is impossible for kids to spend too much time experiencing nature.”

How to Pull This Off:

It’s really easy to do this after work in the Spring or on a mild Summer evening, whether the weather is gorgeous.  But, in the cold days of winter, you will have to schedule it in your calendar to spend 30-60 minutes outside each day on the weekend. Let the kids pick the activity.  Usually, this means throwing the football with my 10-year-old son or watching my 3-year-old daughter ride her bike in the driveway.

3. “The only New Years Resolution I have is to finally have one date night with my husband.
We haven’t been alone since [our child] was born, a year ago.”

How to Pull This Off:

Schedule a family member to keep your child and just leave.  Reservations optional, because you’ll just make another excuse if there’s none available.  Just go get something to eat…and go dancing…or to a movie.  Some couples have great success with at-home date nights after the kids are asleep.  I prefer to go OUT.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Working Moms in 2013…

What’s on your list of resolutions this year?