I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions, personally. They can be full of optimism, but also fraught with a heavy expectation that leads to frustration and disappointment. So, I’ve got what I think is a safe new year’s resolution to encourage us all into 2026.
Love is the key. Can we just commit ourselves to love our children as best we can — as very best we can, with patience and kindness and … lots and lots of love?
It’s a safe resolution because it’s a win/win. We naturally love our children and want to do our best for them (though to my mind, that doesn’t mean spoiling them or giving them every material thing they want and it has nothing to do with money).
Time is the best thing we can give them — our time. And if we have to work 2 jobs to ensure they have food and a home, then we give them quality time when we do have time, giving them attention: a listening ear, playtime together, encouragement, and a level of discipline and respect that teaches them boundaries for responsible behaviour.
Every now and then I reflect on my failures and my successful moments with and about my child. I’d like to say I’ve been a perfect mother — not so! But I can say, I keep improving, aiming always to do right by him, to honour and respect the adult he’s become, and to encourage him to show how much I like him and love him.
I think that’s the best I can do. So for me, this 2026 will be full of my commitment to my child as a mother, and as a fellow human being. Not so different from every year really, but what I believe is the best I can aim for to keep our relationship solid.