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New Year, New Baby

10 Resolutions for New Parents and Parents-to-be

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

There are usually two ways to look at a situation. Resolving to see the positive side of typical parenting situations or your child's behavior will be beneficial for your entire family.

When your child tips over the vase of flowers on the coffee table, remember to realize the accomplishment of him being able to stand up and cruise around the table. Seeing the confidence demonstrated in his stubborn streak or the independence exerted in his choosing his own clothes will help you keep a positive attitude and set a positive example for your family.

Expectant parents want to give their child every possible advantage. Maintaining self control over giving your child material items or establishing behavioral boundaries can be difficult as you look into your child's huge, welcoming eyes. Resolve to set your expectations and boundaries, and then resolve to accept that you're probably likely to break your own rules from time to time.

Before her daughter was born, Jennifer Andrews of Cary, Ill., and her husband had formulated their parenting plan. "I made up my mind that I'd always stick to my schedules and plans for our daughter," says Andrews. "That lasted less than a month."

Being a parent requires you to be willing to think on your feet as situations warrant. Understanding that the rules or plans you make might occasionally need to be refreshed alleviates your guilt and lessens unnecessary feelings of failure.

Want to see more?

• Scrapbooking: Creatively Keeping Track of Baby's First Year
• Learning to Let Go: Coping With the Stress of New Parenthood
• Mommy's Day Out
• Talk about it!

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