Intentional Parenting in 2026: Creating a Life You Actually Want

Intentional Parenting in 2026: 

Creating a Life You Actually Want


I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions.

They often feel rigid, all-or-nothing, and rooted in who we think we should be instead of who we actually are.

But as I get older, one thing has become very clear to me:
time moves fast.
And if we’re not intentional, it’s easy to wake up one day feeling like life just… happened.

I do believe deeply in visualizing and intentionally creating the life you want, even if the picture changes along the way.

You don’t need to know the exact path.
But it helps to have a direction.

And just as important...
Knowing when something no longer fits, and having the courage to pivot.

Why This Matters for Parents

This work isn’t just for us.

When we practice intentional living...setting goals, reassessing them, letting go when something isn’t working, we model those skills for our kids.

So often, we think we’re headed down one path… and the universe gives us pretty clear feedback that it’s not working. Learning to pivot, instead of forcing, is a skill. (One I’m still practicing myself🤣)

When kids see us:

  • reflect instead of react

  • adjust instead of quit

  • repair instead of shame

they learn that growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about resilience.

Skill #1: Self-Compassion (This Is Non-Negotiable)

If you set goals, you are going to make mistakes.

A lot of them.

That’s why the most important skill, before productivity, discipline, or motivation...is self-compassion.

Without it, every misstep turns into failure.
With it, mistakes become information.

When we practice grace with ourselves:

  • we can say “I’m sorry” when we hurt someone

  • we can repair when we don’t show up as our best

  • we can stand back up and try again

And when our kids see that?
They learn that mistakes are part of learning, not something to be ashamed of.

Skill #2: Slow Down and Get Honest About What You Want

Before setting goals, pause.

Really pause.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I want to experience daily?

  • What actually brings me peace, connection, or joy?

  • What no longer fits?

This isn’t a time for judgment or comparison.
This is brainstorming. Anything goes.

Just because something brings someone else happiness doesn’t mean it has to bring you happiness.

Set Goals That Are Kind to Your Nervous System

I love a big vision.

But sustainable change comes from goals that are realistic for this season of life.

The goal isn’t to reach the top of the mountain overnight.
The goal is to keep moving, without burning yourself out. One small step at a time!

Create a Game Plan That Fits Real Life

Wanting something isn’t enough.
The how matters.

You might want to meditate for 30 minutes a day, but five minutes might be what fits right now. And that still counts.

Small steps, attached to routines you already have, create lasting change.

Don’t Give Up...Get Curious

If something doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean you failed.

It means you learned something.

Can you respond with curiosity instead of criticism?
Can you adjust instead of spiraling?

That’s where self-compassion protects us from shame and keeps us moving forward.

✨ A Tool to Help You Gain Clarity 

If you’re craving a little more clarity, but don’t want pressure, rigid goals, or another “should”, I created a simple 2026 Bucket List & Vision Sheet to support this process.

This sheet is designed to help you:

  • slow down and reflect

  • notice what you want more and less of

  • think about how you want to feel, not just what you want to do

It includes prompts like:

  • What do I want to experience daily?

  • What do I need to say “no” to so I can say “yes” to what matters?

  • What would a happy day look like for our family in 2026?

  • What are three things I want to focus on this year?

There’s also space for a gentle bucket-list style brainstorm....GO, DO, PLAY, LEARN, CREATE, ENJOY, so this feels expansive, not restrictive!

You don’t need to fill it out all at once.
You can come back to it anytime.
And it’s meant to change as you change.

You can download the sheet below or find it anytime on my website.

2026 Intentions and Bucketlist

Take what’s helpful.

Leave the rest.
And give yourself permission to pivot.

The Gift You’re Really Giving Your Kids

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children isn’t perfection.

It’s modeling:

  • regulation

  • self-compassion

  • accountability

  • resilience

When we make mistakes, and repair without excuses, we teach our kids how to make mistakes without shame.

That’s how we raise humans who can adapt, reflect, and keep going.

And honestly....that feels like a pretty meaningful way to step into 2026.


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If you need support on your parenting journey, reach out for a free connection call ðŸ’—

https://www.connectionsparentcoaching.com/


                      For more tips on parenting follow me on instagram @connectionsparentcoaching

                                                             

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