There’s something about the new year that feels like opening a fresh notebook—full of possibility and ready for your story to unfold. But when you’re a blended family mom, turning that clean page can feel daunting. Instead of excitement, maybe you’re staring down the same struggles: miscommunications, tricky co-parenting dynamics, and the constant juggle of everyone’s needs.
I’ve been there. I remember a January when I had this grand vision for how things were going to be different—family game nights, fewer arguments, and finally feeling “together.” But by mid-February, I was drowning in old frustrations. That year taught me a powerful lesson: Starting strong isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.
A few years ago, I started choosing one word as my guiding principle for the year. It wasn’t a long list of resolutions (which I never stuck to, anyway). It was just one word—simple and grounding.
One year, my word was “connection.” Instead of trying to force family unity through elaborate plans, I focused on small, meaningful moments: a hug in the kitchen, a note in someone’s lunchbox, or just sitting quietly next to my stepdaughter during her favorite TV show.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of making big changes, try this: What’s one word you want your year to reflect? Peace? Trust? Joy? Let that word guide your decisions as a mom, wife, and woman.
As a blended family mom, there are so many variables you can’t control—other people’s actions, emotions, or choices. But here’s the freeing part: You don’t have to. Focus on what you can control.
For example:
Your mindset. Are you looking for what’s working instead of dwelling on what’s not?
Your boundaries. Are you protecting your time and energy instead of overextending yourself?
Your actions. Are you showing up consistently, even when it’s hard?
I had a client who started the year feeling defeated by her stepchild’s resistance to her efforts. We worked on shifting her focus to what she could control—her reactions, her kindness, and her consistency. By the end of the year, their relationship had softened in ways she never expected.
This year, commit to celebrating progress, not perfection. Did you handle a co-parenting conversation with more patience than usual? That’s a win. Did you create one small tradition everyone enjoyed? Another win.
I like to think of these wins as puzzle pieces. On their own, they might not seem like much. But over time, they come together to create something beautiful.
You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just take one step forward, then another. With intention and grace, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go this year.
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