January 2011

I recently heard a procrastination expert talking on the radio about the folly of New Year’s Resolutions. The holidays are the worst time to try and change old patterns, he argued. Why set goals for yourself during the time of year that, for many, can be stressful and wrapped in puff pastry nibblies? Change will only happen when you’re ready to make it, not by any magical date on the calendar.
Agreed. So I will not resolve to lose weight or be more active this holiday season. That’s settled.
Instead, I would like to confess some of my bad parenting habits, and by naming them, I might be chagrined into changing them in 2011:

• Refereeing – Too often I get dragged into my daughters’ fights. They’re 12 and 14 and I have to learn to leave them be.
• Yelling – I absolutely HATE it when I lose my cool, which inevitably happens when I’m refereeing (see above).
• Being impatient – Why do my kids always need my help? Oh yeah, because they’re kids. I keep forgetting.
• Being a maid – Why do my kids always throw their stuff on the floor and not pick up after themselves? Oh yeah, because I always do it for them. I keep forgetting.

Believe me, there are lots more parenting mistakes I make all the time, but this is enough confession for one day.
One parenting mistake I’ve managed to avoid is being a Bad Hockey Parent, as described by Wendy Helfenbaum in our November/December issue on page 70. Check out Dave Whammond’s hilarious illustration. Still up for grabs is a fantastic hockey prize pack. Click here for details on how to win.
ParentsCanada is launching Me&Mom magazine in 2011, a new publication focussing on parenting children during the first three years. New moms need your help and advice!

We have other great prizes to win this month.
Speakal: MiSoccer
This soccer-themed docking station is the ultimate music accessory for sports fans. Offers 360 degree sound distribution, multi-function remote control volume, bass, and treble as well as full control of docked iPod and a 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack that connects to TV, gaming console or other music sources. To win, tell us how your best tips for getting your child to listen to you.

Fill out our reader survey and you could win a Pampers Prize Pack, valued at $150. This prize includes everything your baby needs from Pampers, including diapers and wipes. A perfect shower gift, too!