Reality Check: Have you set your parenting resolutions for 2009? If not, why not? While the rest of the world seems set on resolving to diet more, eat healthier or figure out how to save money, don’t overlook resolving to find ways to be a better parent. After all, setting the right resolution for your children can make big differences on their behavior, academics, social development, character or even improving your family’s health and well-being. There isn’t a one of us who couldn’t improve just a little bit.

On  January 6th, I’ll share how to set parenting resolutions that stick on the Today show with Al Roker. Then for the next few days I’ll post some of the best parenting resolutions in this blog (or at least the topics I’m asked to comment on most).

Meanwhile, here’s to you and your family. All the best for a healthy and happy 2009! 

Resolving to be a better parent can seem like an overwhelming task. While research does find that most people break their resolutions, there are a few simple proven steps that increase your chances for success in 2009. Here is the better approach to take: 

1. Identify your “one thing.” Start identifying your hot-button parenting issue of last year (such as your child’s quick temper; constantly misplacing homework, fear of public speaking, or test anxiety). Now prioritize those problems so you choose ones that are manageable so you have a real chance of being accomplished. In fact, you will be more successful if you target one but no more than two resolutions to work on at a time. Use “Think big, but start small” as your motto. 

2. Create a specific plan for change. You are ten times more likely to succeed in your resolution if you develop a specific plan for change, and then write it down. Beware: One in five goals fail because the person failed to have a game plan. So identify any potential challenges that may stand in your way, so you make your plan fail proof. 

3. Announce your resolution.   Studies find that women who announce their plans are more successful in keeping resolutions by ten percent. So tell your plan to your family and explain why it is important. Then find a mom to be your ongoing email “cheerleading” buddy, ask your sister to be your daily “nag” partner or appoint a kid as your personal goal reminder. A support team can help you stay on target.

4. Track your progress.  Research finds the more feedback you get, the more likely you will succeed. So monitor your efforts on a calendar, blackberry or in a journal. It will also help you note any challenges that come up along the way. You should expect a few setbacks, stalls and stumbles, which are normal. Just keep on!

5. Just do it!  Surveys find the top reason people don’t achieve their resolutions is due to procrastinating. So don’t put off implementing your plan. Starting your plan within 24 hours increases your likelihood of success.

What’s your one parenting challenge you’re willing to resolve to change? Target it right now! No more excuses! Think through those five steps. Now identify what’s standing in your way?

It’s time to get started on the most important resolution you can make: Resolving to be a better parent!

I’ll be posting a few specific parenting resolutions over the next few days. I’ll explain these five steps a bit more in detail tomorrow on the Today show. Meanwhile, take out a pencil and paper and get ready to take the parenting challenge. Set a resolution that will help your family. 

Happy 2009!