Somehow New Year’s came and went without anyone in our family making resolutions.

I believe last year my resolution was this year we would make resolutions … not off to a good start. 

One year we decided we would come up with resolutions for each other. I’m sure anyone who has tried this will agree, NOT a good idea. Things were said, feelings were hurt, and therapy was needed.  

I’m wondering how it would work if we made our own lists, but tried to incorporate what we think others would like us to put on it, maybe I will suggest that for next
year.  In the meantime, IF I were to make a list for my kids, it would go something like this: (in no particular order)

• Respect your parents, we are older and wiser. 
• When “requesting” money, act appreciative.
• Leave your room clean enough so when you are in it, we can tell.
• When I buy you new clothes, wait at least a week before lending them out.
• When you borrow something, return it… in its original condition.
• When it’s hot, leave the doors & windows open, when it’s cold… you know where I’m going.
• If you commit me to something, let me know more than 5 minutes in advance.
• Don’t ask (or tell) me something super important when I’m: On the phone, half asleep, in the middle of something or already looking distraught.
• If you finish the last one, throw away the box.
• Get your backpacks ready the night before.
• Don’t get upset when I mix up the laundry, you could always try putting it away yourselves.
• Do not ask what’s for dinner, and then groan when I tell you.
• Stop leaving full water bottles everywhere (except the refrigerator).
• Don’t ask me what I’m going to wear, when I’m already wearing it (clearly I have decided).
• Clean up after yourselves, I should not be able to reconstruct your day.
• Let me know when you are bringing company home, it can be awkward for everyone if I am caught off guard.
• Do not text while we are having a conversation, it leads me to believe you might not be hearing what I’m saying,  ex: “You never told me to take dinner out of the freezer.”
• TAKE INITIATIVE!