According to statistics, 40 to 45% of people living in the US make one or more New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of a new year. As for how many people that keep them, 75% get past the first week but only 46% still adhere to them at the half-year mark.

Despite the fact that many people break them, at least they are setting a goal.  They may not stick with it but the very fact that they made one raises the potential for attaining it. The reasons many do not follow through to the bitter end are varied.

If you are a mom, especially a parent of a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), making a New Year’s resolution may be the last thing on your mind.  Even so, why not make one and just call it an intention? If nothing else doing so will help you focus your mind on something that is important to you and will guide your thoughts and actions, even if only for a while.

New Year’s resolutions/intentions do not have to be big life changing events, like losing weight or getting out of debt.  As long as they are specific, They can still be small and meaningful, like:

1 – Schedule Time to Spend with Your Children

It can be very difficult to get quality time with your children when you are going to and fro for appointments, therapies, sports, . . . and the list goes on.  If pressed for time, start with small steps.  Schedule 10-15 minute on the family calendar or your appointment book to read a book, play a game, or just talk with your child.  When possible, consider a fun family night, where all members of your family can bond.

2 – Give Your Relationship Extra Attention

Most claim that romantic relationships slide down the importance scale once children are involved.  Having a child with Autism adds an additional layer of stress that parents of neuro-typical children do not have to deal with.  Yes, your children should come first in every aspect of your life, but don’t let your personal relationship fail.  For that reason, schedule monthly date nights or do what you can to maintain your connection and keep the spark alive.

3 – Take a Good Care of Yourself

This may contradict the suggested New Year’s resolution of spending more time with your kids, but most mothers aren’t just moms, but extra busy, multi-tasking moms. Those who aren’t parents and even dads are surprised to learn how much a mother of a child with special needs gets accomplished.  So, be sure to tend to your self-care for a minimum of 10-15 minutes per day, 5 minutes at a time if necessary.  Again, think small so you can experience success – cuddle up with a new book, listen to your favorite song in a dark room, take a quick bubble bath.

4 – Ask for Help

As previously stated, many moms are super-moms because most do it all and then some.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks to others on occasion.  They may not complete the chore to your liking but at least it will get done. To avoid big disappointments, communicate your expectations clearly and ask for the person to repeat it back to you for confirm understanding.

5 – Spend Time with Friends

In terms of spending time with friends, use your best judgment.  You and your college friends may be in different places in your lives and your social circle may have shifted dramatically since your child was diagnosed. If you must, take steps to develop new friendships with those who share similar interests.  Start by joining support groups for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), online or in your community.

6 – Learn to Let it Go

As a mother, you may want to make sure everything in your life is perfect.  You want to make sure your kids are healthy, they get good grades, you make enough money, and that you have a clean house. Yes, all of these are important aspects of raising a family, but learn to let the small things go.  To tired to do dishes?  Don’t let a sink full of dishes bother you for just one night, do them in the morning or delegate the task.

 

If you are a parent of a child with Autism that is making a New Year’s resolution and you are willing to share, please do so in the comment box below. Happy New Year!