New Year, New Mother — Some Resolutions

The New York Times's Motherlode blog has a list of top parenting resolutions — which it turns out their author, Lisa Belkin, is condensing from a list on Parents.com, so I don't feel too bad about re-appropriating it.

My favorites: 

Teach kids this bravery trick: tell them to always
notice the color of a person’s eyes. Making eye contact will help a
hesitant child appear more confident and will help any kid to be more
assertive and less likely to be picked on.

Talk about what it means to be a good person. Start
early. When you read bedtime stories, for example, ask your toddler
whether characters are being mean or nice and explore why.

Fess up when you blow it. This is the best way to show your child how and when she should apologise.

I actually know a mother who did the eye colour thing with her kids and transformed them from shy and squirmy to socially competent (if still shy).  I think it's a great idea. And yes, apologising to your kids is a much-neglected and completely necessary act. Your child's future spouse will thank you!

At the end, Belkin asks readers to contribute a one-word piece of advice to their fellow mothers. Hers was "breathe." Mine is "forgive." Yours?