Saturday, February 1, 2014

February Goals: Intentional Parenting





















Yikes, this one makes me nervous.
I mean WAY more nervous than last month.
Write down what I'm eating + drink some extra water? Got it.
But 10 hour days alone with a 2 1/2 year old?
Whooooole different story.





















I love that girl so fierce, and I really truly think that this age is a beautiful thing... I also think it's terrifying plus it just plain wears me out a lot of days.
Discipline is HARD FOR ME!
She needs it, and I know that. But it's so hard day in and day out.





















So this month I'm going to focus on planning activities and setting very clear rules and boundaries.
I've got high hopes that by March my little angel will be the most well-behaved toddler there ever was ;)


  • Make + enforce a set daily schedule. 
    • wake up. brush teeth. comb hair. get dressed. eat breakfast. etc...
    • obviously flexibility is important but I think the more she knows what to expect the better our days tend to go. 
    • only 1 tv show (before nap time) 
  • Plan an activity each day. 
    • Walk, park, YMCA, play with friends, grocery shopping, library. 
    • Sky's the limit really, but knowing we have one thing to get out of the house for each day seems to keep us both a little less crazy. 
  • Read 2 books on parenting/disciplining a toddler. 
    • I've already picked The Gifts of Imperfections by Brene Brown, which I don't think is a parenting book per se but seems to have a lot of wisdom that should apply.
    • Sheparding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, which I imagine will be way more conservative but I have heard is very helpful. 
  • Utilize my Pinterest board that's FULL of ideas. Duh. I keep pinning awesome resources like these Tips for Helping Toddlers Play Independently or these Quiet Boxes for Little Ones or Toddler Discipline without Shame. It's time to really read through and try these out!! 
  • Most importantly I need to focus on setting my own boundaries and being realistic about what I can or can't accomplish during the day. Yes, it's realistic for me to get the dishes done (by inviting her to help) or even do some journaling (by setting her up with a paint or a project next to me). But I need to avoid large projects until nap time because I always end up frustrated, distracted and she ends up in front of the tv!  





















Alright then. Wish me luck! 
This little 2-going-on-17-year-old gives me a run for my money sometimes, but I know we can make it better if I'm more intentional in my parenting!! 

4 comments:

  1. Hey girl! I'm visiting from the Tiny Twig and I love your goals this month!I'm a mama to a 6, 5, 4, and 3 year old so I can relate to much of this and would say you are on the right track. Can I recommend a book? Loving the Little Years. I'm a book nerd and it is BY FAR the best and most practical book I have ever read on that age group. Grace to you and your two year old!

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  2. We follow a super strict schedule and also do a daily activity. It helps us to get out of the house! Hang in there!!!

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  3. Girl... I'm inspired. I can totally relate. Mostly because our tots are the same age and disciple is hard for me, too! I feel like she is starting to test the boundaries, and I need to do something about it - stat! Thanks for inspiring me and good luck to you!

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  4. Yes, there are so many ideas on Pinterest! But I'm sure it's hard to find the time to really look at them and make a plan. I've been meal planning and for me that makes a huge difference in the flow of our week as a family. You can do it, Ashley!

    PS It's been a while since I've been by and I love your new blog design :)

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