And considering they can be difficult to break, why not instead try to pick up a few that are actually positive and will make being a mum that bit easier.
1. Be organised
From knowing when the kids have afterschool activities to planning your meals ahead, being organised will take off a lot of the pressure and stress that accompanies parenting. It doesn’t take much to get started, simply writing things down on a calendar hanging up in the kitchen is the best way to start.
2. Going to bed early
While you argue the corner that there is too much to get done before you get to bed, it is actually a habit that you can get into.
3. Asking for help
It is easy to get stuck in the habit of trying to do everything on your own – but that is impossible. You will just end up
4. Reading
And not just to your child. Spending an hour or so reading before you go to bed rather than being on your phone will help you sleep a lot better.
5. Eating dinner together
It is so easy to eat at various times during the day as you feed the kids after school and then yourself later in the evening. However, sitting together as a family around the dinner table will give you a chance to catch up and bond with your kids.
6. Following through
Saying one thing and actually doing it are two very different things and can actually cause a number of arguments among parents and their kids. So if you say you will go to the park later – you need to actually go to the park later.
7. Saying no
Saying yes to playdates you are too tired for, or dropping the kids to football when you want to stay in bed are just going to give you added pressure that will just stress you out.
8. Listening
When your child talks to you, do you really listen? Leading such busy lives can mean we often talk to our children but rarely listen, often missing something important.
9. Positive self-talk
Stop putting yourself down or criticising your parenting skills – instead shower yourself with positive talk and don’t let anyone put you down.
10. Being consistent
Telling your child they can’t do one thing only to allow them another day, is not consistent parenting and simply leads to flights and arguments in the home.
