Why wait until the new year to make a resolution? 

Let's start now.  Adults need to realize every single action they take will be modeled by children.  Are you always patient?  Do you show praise often?  Do you problem solve instead of get frustrated over problems?  It is important to check in with yourself on what you are modeling.

So how do we do this in our overly busy lives?

Here are some tips:

1. Before every task, as small as it may be, take a deep breath and tell yourself this is going to be great and productive.

2. Allow yourself to make and bounce back from errors.  We know the expression...it is not the end of the world if...it really isn't the end of the world.  There is always another way and another day to resolve it.

3.  Remember that kids may be experiencing or learning something for the very first time and may not get it immediately.  Think about something you don't know how to do, perhaps sky diving or fixing a car.  You probably would appreciate someone having patience with you upon learning something new for the first time. 

4.  We all have areas where we know we need to improve.  Make sure you are not holding one's faults against them.  This will make them wear that label and feel that they are stuck there.  Example:  I have always been bad in math so I always will be bad in math.  Try...I struggle with math but plan to get one step better by studying a few more minutes.

5. Choose a positive attitude. Your attitude and mood are contagious.  This goes both ways with a negative and positive attitude.  If you know you are in a negative mood, change your mind's environment to a better place by showing gratitude for the positive things in your life.