5 things I will do differently in 2015

This year, for me is going to be a year of focusing on being present for the family and carving out more me-time for myself. 

Here are the 5 things I will be doing differently in 2015:

1) Understanding and speaking the love languages of Aiden, Ava and Daddy Darren

I have always wanted to learn more about the different love languages and how I can apply them in strengthening my relationship with my loved ones. I picked up these books, The Five Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell M.D.and The Five Love Languages and I would highly recommend them for those of you who feel like you have problems communicating with your spouse or kids, and feel that no matter what you have done to express love, the other party does not seem to appreciate or reciprocate. 

Discovering the individual love language of Daddy Darren and the kids enable me to work towards filling their love tanks accordingly. And this helps leading to a stronger closer relationship with each of them. Very often, we carelessly hurt the feelings of one another unknowingly. This can be damaging for a parent-child relationship and I would want to avoid that.

I also want to work towards a closer, stronger relationship with Daddy Darren as our relationship influences and affects me and in turn, work and the kids.

I strive to be a loving, kind and fair parent to the kids and an understanding, supportive partner to Daddy Darren and I will work towards this.

2) Be totally present when playing and speaking with the kids, Daddy Darren and everyone else

With so many distractions especially with our smart phones, messages, emails, social media, it is sometimes challenging to just put aside the gadget and indulge in playing with the kids and listening to the other person you are out with. What happened to good old face to face time? I strive to revive this in the new year.

3) When reprimanding the kids, to do so in a kind and firm manner

Very often I raise my voice and belt out threats when there is a need to scold the kids. I may even lift my hand and threaten to hit them. I am confident that Aiden and Ava will get the message without me having to resort to screaming and hitting so I need to remind myself to speak in a firm and kind manner. Of course unless it is taken for granted or ineffective and I will have to be more creative in disciplining and teaching them the right behavior.

4) Work out, eat healthier and no more excuses

Year after year I would have this as my resolution until I stopped having new year resolutions. I need to get into a routine of including some exercise in my schedule.

I am happy I have started a routine of jogging regularly, and will definitely need to keep this going.

5) Connect with friends

With kids in my life, socializing and meeting with friends have taken a backseat. This year, I will make an effort to catch up at least once a month with close friends. Making plans ahead of time works, as well as impromptu invitations to dinner or coffee. Let me get my calendar and start making these dates happen.

This is part of a blog train hosted by Rachel of Catch 40 Winks. Find out what 33 other mum bloggers will be doing differently in 2015 and have a think about what you want to do differently this year too!

Next on the blog train is Agatha, aka "Agy" a mummy, a wife and an eco-designer. Besides making sure everyone is taken care of at home, she loves to sew and her specialty is in upcycling post-consumer textiles and wearable electronics. She shares her passion and tutorials on her blog, Green Issues by Agy, as well as at workshop.