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Looking back at the year that is almost coming to an end, as moms, you might wonder how far you got through motherhood. From new experiences to surprises, from trial and error to hits and misses, from swelling from the achievements of a mommy to regretting the failures – you must have done it all. What were the things you should not have done in 2016? We bet you will not want to repeat some of these in the coming year:
1. Losing patience
This one’s the number one culprit you think? You could lose patience in no time and then regret in no time. Then you pacify your child, be friends again. It quells the whole volcano of anger that erupts out of you. But pretty soon the monster mommy is back.
2. Allowing your children that junk
How could you deny them those treats? Of course, their health is a paramount concern to you. In spite of that bad cold, you allowed them the ice-cream. You allow those fries, the king size burger, the pizza, the pops, and everything because you find it hard saying no. Then you are horribly scared for what those sugars, trans fats, and preservatives are going to do to their bodies.
3. That roller-coaster ride
How did they even allow your little one on it? You thought your kid was going to be fine with you around on that serpentine ride going zoom. Later you wonder if your kid really found it cool after all? Don’t go by the minimum age limit. Go by your child’s temperament on amusement rides.
4. Breaking the school rules
Your child cannot be an exception to his teacher because he is your hero. If you are running late to work, you cannot park your car in the staff parking lot. Plus, don’t think that you can let your child arrive at school ten minutes late simply because he is going to a playschool. Rules are rules, be it for your child or you.
5. Doing your childâs homework
If you end up doing your child’s homework, it is not because your child is lazy. It’s because you have not made an effort to get your child to sit through it. Entice your child with a favorite treat or holiday, so he learns to do homework without enough coaxing.
6. Long-term diapering your baby
If your child is still not getting over the diapering phase, then some training must begin at home too. You cannot rely on a babysitter or the play school to give all the training. Give up the garb of a working mom once home.
7. Allowing your children to play under the sun for long
Yes, either without a sunscreen application or water – asking them to play under the sun for too long might be harmful even under the winter sun. It barely takes a couple of minutes to get that sunscreen lotion on. Or perhaps a few seconds. It doesn’t take an hour to fill their water-sippers and stack them in their play stuff.
8. Sniping about your neighborâs child
Each kid is different. If you think your child is picking a habit or an unhealthy thing from somewhere, don’t blame your neighbor’s child downright. It’s always nice to talk to them or let your child’s teacher know of the silly habits your child has been picking up and so she would try and avoid them.
9. Extending your holidays and not letting the teacher know
Yes, kindergarten could be one time when you can extend your holidays. But not at the expense of not letting the school know. It reflects the discipline you have as parents.
10. Being lax
Childhood is the only time when your children can chill out at best. But that doesn’t mean delaying instilling good habits, manners, or values in them. What you teach them now, they lap up in small doses.
11. Having worked so hard
Perhaps you had been a bit too hard on yourself and your children. Just let go of the things that no longer need to be treated as a matter of urgency.
What were your instances of regrets as a mother that you don’t want to repeat in 2017?
