Grasshopper New Media Presents...

I’ve got nearly two full years as a parent under my belt now and I still don’t feel like any sort of expert. Parenting is a moving target, for one: just when I’ve mastered the Itsy-Bitsy spider hands, Boobaby has moved on to dancing the water sprinkler, or maybe it’s the “freak nasty krumping” somesuch — I just can’t keep up.

Therefore, in the spirit of constant improvement, I’m setting myself these 10 resolutions for the new year. (Or at least until late February, by which time my resolutions have always been forgotten in the past.)

Doodaddy’s Parenting Resolutions for 2008

1. No matter how many times I’ve told Boobaby to do something, I’ll never say “I’ve told you a million times!”
2. I will use on-line Elmo videos only for real emergencies. Needing a cup of coffee does not count as a real emergency. Usually.
3. One word: Fiber.
4. Along the same lines, I will avoid discussing poop with any unwilling person (especially non-parents).
5. As much as Boobaby loves to go to the same playground and play the same games, I will give her one new major experience every week.
6. For example, Boo and I will bake bread together. (Whole grain bread, of course: see #3, above!)
7. As much as the concept scares me, Boo and I will find a preschool program where I will leave her for a couple of hours a couple of times a week. (Ulp!) It’ll be good for her. And me. (Double ulp!)
8. I will cook and clean more. I know, it’s a chore, but it will make our home a real family place.
9. My wife is a great provider and a fantastic mother — and I’m going to tell her that more often.
10. Finally, I will worry less about being a parent and spend more time just doing it!

How about you? Any resolutions for yourselves or your family for the new year?

And, of course, Happy New Year to you all from Doodaddy, Working Mom, and Boobaby!

by Doodaddy

[tags]kids, children, parents, parenting, New Year’s resolutions, caring, television, Elmo, baking, bread, preschool, love, discussions, cook, clean[/tags]
Photo graciously provided by fuzuoko, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved