Parent Talk: Parenting Resolutions for 2012

It's that time of year. People are making big changes. The gym was packed on Monday, and if my Facebook newsfeed is any indication, getting rid of unhealthy eating and cutting back on spending are some resolutions this year too.

But what about when it comes to parenting? Does anyone have any parenting resolutions? Things you are going to do or stop doing this year?

In the spirit of being the best parents we can be, we've all got those thoughts in the back of our minds thinking of things we should or could or maybe even want to do differently.

Have you made a parenting resolution yet this year?

Here are some ideas:

-Take your kids on one-on-one dates. Could be ice cream or to the park, doesn't have to cost a lot or be a lot.

-Have an "unplugged" day, or better yet, weekend. No computers or email or cell phones.

-Stop nagging about the vegetable thing. And the mismatched clothes thing. (Trust me, there are bigger fish to fry.)

Laugh often and more. Yes, things are still going to bug you but find the humor in your 3-year-old drawing on the walls or your tween having two weeks worth of laundry scattered across their bedroom floor.

Take care of yourself so you can enjoy your children. We all know that when we're tired, hungry, crabby, we end up having little patience and little enjoyment for and with our kids.