January: time for resolutions. I’m not really a huge fan of resolutions. Too often, they wind up falling by the wayside and we are left with feelings of failure, disappointment, and guilt. I don’t know about you, but – as a mom – I get more than my share of those feelings without imposing improbable expectations on myself.

Still, it is a New Year and I can’t help but do the whole retrospective/introspective thing. For me, 2010 was a pretty wild ride – both professionally and personally. As a mom, I often felt that I was only partially present. Multi-tasking was less a bad habit than a way of life. Juggling sixteen things at once felt like a matter of survival. My situation is not unique. All the moms I know are equally as guilty of trying to do too many things at once and winding up frustrated, exhausted, and feeling inadequate on all fronts. That’s why, if I had to choose one, my parenting resolution would be to kick my multi-tasking habit. My daughter turns seven in a few short weeks and I know it’ll only be a few moments before she’s seventeen. There won’t be any going back to make up for lost time. I’ve only got one shot to be fully present.

But, beyond that, I’m not making any resolutions. I know the kid should eat more fruits and vegetables, have more play dates, and drop the attitude a decibel or two. I realize that I ought to be more patient and less sarcastic. I’m pretty sure the Really Good Moms do more crafts and play more games than me. There are literally dozens of things I could do to ratchet up my parenting brownie points, but I’m not going there.

Instead, I’m going to focus on a few universal parenting truths and relax about the details. For 2011, I’m going to do my best to remember that:

1. Though I might screw up once in a while, no one is keeping score (not anyone who matters, anyway).
2. Hugs fix a lot – use them liberally.
3. Saying your sorry may be hard, but it’s always worth the effort.
4. A happy mom is a better mom, so – for heaven’s sake! – take some time for yourself!
5. Spontaneity sometimes creates better memories than ritual and routine. Follow your heart when it tells you to let the kids stay up late on a school night or eat cake for breakfast.
6. Listening – really listening – is often the most valuable gift you can give someone, especially a child.
7. It’s great to have Big Picture perspective, but the sanest approach is to take each day as it comes – one at a time.
8. In the end, each of us does what she can; it’s unfair to try and measure up against some random ideal. Don’t fall into that trap.
9. Enjoy each moment – even the tough ones – for what it is. You will never get a second chance to live this time again.

Are you making any parenting resolutions for 2011? If not, maybe you’ve got a few core parenting truths? Feel free to share either or both – thanks!