For many parents, New Year resolutions usually sound like adding more of everything!
More patience, more structure for the kids and ourselves, more useful classes, and, of course, more money.
And somehow, in the midst of it all, we’re also supposed to become more present.
But as 2026 approaches, some of us parents, like myself, are trying to do things a little differently.
Instead of adding more, I’m paying attention to that familiar pang in my heart.
Yes, the one that creeps in late at night, after the kids are asleep, when the house is finally quiet and the day starts replaying itself.
The moments I snapped. The times I was distracted. The things I wish I had handled better.
To give myself a little more grace in the year ahead, I’m consciously unlearning habits I picked up out of love, fear, comparison, and sheer survival.
So if you’re a parent like many of us, just taking it one day at a time and quietly trying to make amends with your parenting and your children, here are a few things we can work on together in 2026.
1. Unlearning the Need to Step In Immediately
Somewhere along the way, many of us learnt to jump in fast.
In our effort to be present, to not be the parent constantly glued to a phone, we answer before our children finish speaking. We fix it before they even try because that constitutes effort to us.
In 2026, we’re learning to step back, even when it’s uncomfortable and we fear how our kids may feel.
This might mean watching them struggle a little. Letting boredom exist and sitting with big feelings instead of rushing to smooth them over.
2. Unlearning the Habit of Over-Explaining
Many of us grew up with Asian parents who told us to do something and expected us to just do it, no questions asked.
Trying to avoid becoming that kind of parent, we swung the other way.
We explain everything. From A to Z.
For example, why rules exist, why now isn’t the time, why later might be better, why we said no even after we already said no.
This year, we’re learning that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and sometimes, “because this is the boundary” is enough.
3. Unlearning Comparison
We can all be guilty of this – and sometimes it’s not the obvious kind or the ones that are even said out loud.
Comparison between children can even happen in those little mental notes we take. The “Oh, their child can already read so fluently, but why can’t mine?” thoughts.
Even if we never say it out loud, comparison has a way of creeping into our expectations. And before we know it, we’re nudging our children into races they never signed up for.
4. Unlearning the Pressure to Optimise Childhood
In short, not every moment needs to be productive, not every day and every little action needs a life learning lesson, and not every phase of a child’s growth needs to be maximised.
In 2026, we’re learning to let children be children, and this can mean the entire family moving a little slower, the nonexistent decent family photo or even fewer playdates.
5. Unlearning the Habit of Carrying Everything Alone
This one is harder because many of us learnt to cope quietly.
We push through and manage without asking for help because we were taught to believe that needing help meant we weren’t doing enough.
In 2026, we’ll learn to share the mental load and ask for more help without feeling guilty for needing one.
What We’re Carrying Into 2026
Well, there you go, parents; unlearning doesn’t mean we suddenly get it right.
We’ll still lose our patience some days and say the wrong thing or raise our voices by accident. That part doesn’t magically disappear just because a new year starts.
However, it’s important to remember that parenting isn’t a straight line forward.
It’s a lot of circling back, repairing, and trying again the next day.
So this year, we’re not chasing perfection, and we’re choosing honesty and the right to slow down and meet our children at their pace.
And on the days when it still feels unaccomplished, we’ll remind ourselves of this:
We’re still here and still trying, and that counts for more than we think.
We can do this, my fellow parents. May 2026 be the best one yet!
Happy New Year 2026 with love from all of us at Motherhood.com.my!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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