By a Working Mom Just Like You
Every December, I sit at our kitchen table—usually late at night when the house is quiet—staring at a fresh notebook page titled “New Year’s Resolutions.” It’s a ritual that started years ago when I became a mom. Back then, I thought resolutions had to be big, bold, and a little bit unrealistic. Over time, I’ve learned that the best goals are the ones that meet us where we are. And let’s be honest—where we are as working moms is often somewhere between folding laundry at 10 p.m. and trying to schedule a pediatrician appointment during a work meeting.
As 2025 begins, I wanted to share the resolutions I’ve made for our family this year—goals rooted in our real, messy, beautiful life. These aren’t picture-perfect Pinterest goals. These are lived-in, trial-and-error, grace-filled intentions that reflect the lessons I’ve learned and the values we’re trying to pass on to our son.
1. Mastering the Art of Time Management (Or at Least Trying To)
Time is a slippery thing when you’re juggling motherhood and a career. I used to believe that if I could just wake up earlier or be more organized, I could “do it all.” Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. And that’s okay.
This year, instead of trying to do everything, we’re trying to do the right things. I’ve started using a shared family calendar app. It helps us see everything in one place—work commitments, school events, dentist appointments, and yes, even the occasional date night (we’re working on being better about those!).
Tip: Create “focus blocks” for work and “connection blocks” for family. Even just 15 minutes of intentional time with my son—building LEGOs or reading a book—feels more meaningful than hours of distracted multitasking.
2. Prioritizing Self-Care Without the Mom Guilt
Here’s the truth: I didn’t take care of myself for a long time. I’d skip meals, forget to drink water, and shrug off sleep like it was optional. It wasn’t until I snapped at my son over a spilled cup of juice that I realized I was running on empty.
Now, self-care is on my list of non-negotiables. Not bubble baths and spa days (though those are lovely). I mean daily movement, stepping outside for fresh air, journaling for ten minutes before bed, or even saying “no” without feeling the need to explain.
Tip: Schedule your self-care like you would a meeting. Protect that time fiercely. You deserve it—not because you’ve earned it, but because you’re human.
3. Letting Go of the Guilt (One Day at a Time)
Mom guilt is a sneaky thing. It shows up when I drop my son off at daycare. When I miss the class party. When I pull out the tablet so I can finish a work project. It whispers, You’re not doing enough.
But I’ve learned that guilt is rarely helpful—it just steals joy from the present. So this year, I’m choosing grace. I remind myself often: “I’m not perfect, but I’m present.” And that counts for something.
One day, after I apologized to my son for being grumpy, he looked at me and said, “It’s okay, Mama. You’re doing your best.” That’s when I realized he doesn’t need a perfect mom—he just needs a real one.
Tip: Reframe guilt as a sign of how much you care. Then choose compassion over criticism. Your child sees your effort more than your flaws.
4. Creating a Healthier Work-Life Balance
This is a constant work in progress. I’ve had seasons where work bled into dinner time, bedtime, and every moment in between. I felt like I was everywhere and nowhere all at once.
This year, I’m working on boundaries. That means shutting my laptop at 5:30 p.m. and not checking emails until the morning. It means resisting the urge to say yes to every project just to prove myself. And it means modeling to my son what balance looks like—even if I’m still figuring it out.
Tip: Designate a shutdown ritual. I light a candle, jot down what I accomplished, and physically move my laptop out of sight. It helps signal to my brain (and my family) that I’m “off the clock.”
5. Family Goals: Connection Over Perfection
We’ve set a few simple, fun goals as a family this year:
- One screen-free evening per week.
- A family dinner every Sunday (even if it’s takeout).
- Monthly “adventure days”—from the zoo to hiking to just finding a new playground.
These moments, small as they seem, build our family culture. They remind us that connection doesn’t have to be complicated.
One of my favorite memories from last year was a rainy Saturday spent building a cardboard rocket ship in the living room. It wasn’t Instagram-worthy. But my son called it “the best day ever.” And that’s enough.
Tip: Don’t aim for perfection—aim for presence. Your kids won’t remember if the house was spotless, but they’ll remember how it felt to be home with you.
6. Teaching Our Children Through Example
I want my son to grow up seeing that growth is a family value. That it’s okay to try, fail, learn, and try again. I want him to know that even grownups set goals and work hard toward them.
That’s why I talk openly about my own resolutions. I let him help me set some of his, too. This year, he decided he wants to “learn to cook” (which so far means pouring cereal and making toast). I’m here for it.
Tip: Invite your kids into the process. Let them see your vulnerability, your effort, your celebration of small wins. It teaches resilience more than any lecture ever could.
7. Making Room for Joy and Rest
Sometimes, in the chaos of everyday life, we forget to laugh. To play. To rest. So here’s a gentle reminder: joy is not frivolous—it’s necessary. It’s what fills our cups so we can keep pouring.
This year, I’m adding “fun” to my to-do list. I’m dancing in the kitchen again. I’m saying yes to spontaneous pillow fights. I’m letting go of the need to be productive every moment.
Tip: Ask yourself: what brings your family joy? Schedule more of that. And remember—rest is productive, too.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’re reading this as a fellow mom who sometimes feels like she’s barely keeping it together, I want you to hear this loud and clear: You are doing your best. And your best is enough.
The dishes can wait. The emails can wait. But your peace of mind and your relationship with your children? That deserves your care.
So here’s to 2025. A year of grace, growth, and goals that reflect the life you’re actually living. Not the perfect version. The real one.
You’ve got this, Mama.
