As we begin 2026, there’s a lot of talk of resolutions and intentions. But for some moms, the idea of setting lofty goals for health, productivity or work seems like a pipe dream. Instead, we’re sharing some things we think it’s okay to leave behind this year. What are you putting on your list to leave behind in 2025?
Comparing Ourselves to Other Moms–On and Offline
Anyone who has ever posted on social media knows that it’s a highlight reel. So comparing your everyday messy life to a curated highlight reel is always going to be a losing battle. But even comparing ourselves to other moms in real life is BS—we all have different marriages, financial situations, mental health, childhoods we’re recovering from and more. Nobody walks in the same shoes, and we’re all playing with a different deck.
Putting Ourselves Last
Mom burnout is real, and this year we’re taking actual steps to fill our own cups. Treat yourself like you would your best friend or sister. You wouldn’t let her skip doctor’s appointments, feed herself crusts for breakfast or listen to negative self-talk, would you? You were a person before you had kids, and remembering that can make all the difference.
Mom Guilt
Did your husband feel deeply guilty about the holiday gift delayed in the mail, taking time when the kids were home over break to exercise, or ruminating at 3 am about losing his temper with the kids and wondering if he scarred them forever? Unlikely. So why do moms treat guilt like its part of the job description?
Saying Yes to Everything
Closely related to the previous two points, saying yes to every opportunity to volunteer at your kids’ school, jump on every project at work and join every activity or gathering, will ensure you run out of steam, probably before Valentine’s Day. Take January as a chance to recover from the dumpster fire of commitments that was the holiday season, and say yes because you want to—not because you feel like you should.
Treating Asking for Help As Failure
Paid help, family help, help from a partner—whatever your situation, hopefully you have some way to get help when you need it. And we all need it. Even—especially—great moms.