When it comes to the end of the year, I usually look back a little, but I look to the future a lot. New Year’s resolution setting comes very naturally to me around this time. I lightly set goals for what I want to do better in the next year.
I also ask my kids to write three things they want to do, or want to do better, next year.
My little boy wrote,
“I will try to eat less candy.”
…lol.
I have to admit, that should probably be me too. We both have a sweet tooth.
This year feels like a big year for me.
I’m back to writing my blog, planning to start many new projects, and all the ideas are already sitting in my Google Sheets. I’m really excited about that.
Another big thing is that we decided to move from New York to another state — but which state it will be, I still want to keep a secret for now.
I started slowly hinting to my kids about where we might be going.
For little one, it’s no problem at all. He’s ready to go anytime.
But for My big boy, it’s different.
He’s in middle school now and starting to develop strong connections with his friends… and also a special one (a girl). Shhh… this is just between you and me, okay? I want him to think I can keep a secret...lol
Oh my goodness.
He was so upset when I casually said,
“What do you think if we all move to…?”
He was in tears and said things like:
“Why?”
“This is my life.”
“My friends will replace me with someone else.”
And then he said,
“I’ve loved this girl for three years, and we just started talking to each other!”
I was like… WHAT?!
In my head, I’m thinking — he’s in 6th grade now, which means three years ago he was in 4th grade. That feels so early! My brain was buzzing, but on the outside, I tried to stay calm, listen to him, and understand without judgment.
I even tried to think back to what I cared about when I was in 4th grade.
I explained why we want to move and reassured him that no one can replace him. I told him they can still be friends, still text, and still talk on Messenger Kids (of course, I check it whenever I get the chance).
I also reminded him that moving could mean meeting new friends and experiencing new things too.
After that conversation, a helicopter mom like me started worrying.
Is this a good decision for him?
Am I breaking his heart?
After talking with our parent trainer, she reassured me. She said kids at this age usually adjust quickly. Once they make new friends and experience new, fun environments, they’re usually okay.
The only thing she told me to do next time is this:
Only talk about big changes when they are actually about to happen.
Don’t bring it up when things aren’t even confirmed yet.
Because my older son is the type of kid who gets very anxious about change — especially important changes.
Lesson learned.
Another goal I have for this year is to focus more on how I spend my money.
Before, I was pretty loose about it. But this year, I want to be more in control and more aware of where our money goes — and I want to include my kids in that learning too.
I want them to understand money early and build a healthy way of thinking about it. I even came up with a money game for them, and they actually love it. I’ll share more about that next time.
How about you?
Any plans ahead?
Anyway, I wish you and your family everything you hope for in the new year.
And yes…
Happy New Year, everyone.
Love.