What Moms Are Optimistic About in the Year Ahead

?I am so much healthier mentally than I was a year ago, my kids and husband will finally get more than just my scrappy leftovers"

?(My) daughter becoming more independent and a greater support system for my mother"

?Each day is a new day. (I have the) goal of becoming less financially burdened by working my butt off. And seeing my little babies growing and learning"

Over 3,500 parents, mostly Moms (97%) have participated in our research study since March of 2020. In this year?s wave of the survey we asked: ?what, if anything, makes you feel optimistic about the coming year" They’re candid about what?s working, and what?s hard. Many parents feel anchored by their children and families. As one shared, ?My baby is thriving and I’m excited to watch her grow" But some Moms also report feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or sad. Another said, ?Nothing, this is a very discouraging year"

Context is everything. And whatever you feel right now, whether it?s hope, joy, or despair, has a lot to do with your health, environment, and degree of control over your circumstances. We continue to live through interesting times. Which influences our feelings about the future. The good news? Everything changes. And we grow and learn, right along with our children.

Where the Optimism Lies

For nearly one in four (24%) the joy lies in family. Including: pregnancies, new babies, time with kids and/or their partners. The wobbly economy, however, remains a source of strain for many. So, almost one fifth (17%) are excited for more money or financial wellness. And they’re often seeking career upgrades for better compensation or flexibility.

Fifteen percent want to invest in themselves. Either with more self-care, like sleep, rest, and movement (5%.) Mental health support including therapy (4%,) personal growth (3%,) or furthering their education (3%.) Twelve percent are eager for their children to gain independence. And nine percent admit they don’t feel hopeful at all. One admits, “Nothing. Currently I feel overworked.” The rest fall into the ?other? category.

Parenting and Family Connection

?A recent pay raise. And the fact that my baby brings me so much joy"

?My daughter being able to do more fun activities that we can do together"

?As my baby gets older her sleeping and eating patterns will change to allow for more outings together"

Financial Stability

?I got a raise which will hopefully help me dig us out of a rough financial situation"

?My kids are getting older and are more independent. Hopefully, inflation is done spiking. I am almost done paying for 2 children in daycare!?

"Starting a higher paying job with a consistent schedule so I can plan life around work more easily"

?Promotional opportunities, toddlers both becoming less needy"

Self-Care and Self-Investment

?Finding myself"

?Adding in rest"

?Being in therapy has helped a bit" ?I’m medicated this year! It?s just a bandaid for now without therapy, but its more than I’ve had before"

Getting Support

?I joined a gym that will open in a couple of months that has classes with childcare"

?I’m developing a good support system" ?Knowing that we are moving closer to family and that we won’t be stranded on our own anymore"

Career Upgrades and Flexible Options

?A remote job"

?Getting serious about my hobbies and starting a business"

?I have invested time and money into my business and have his systems in place. I’ve booked more clients and outsourced certain things so I can spend more time with my kids"

?I?m looking for a new job with less hours so that I can be more available for my family. Plus the current job I have is doing more harm than good for my mental health so a change would give me a mental boost"

Children Gaining Independence

?Baby will be older and hopefully sleep more"

?My baby sleeping longer so I can sleep longer and have more energy during the day to exercise"

?My daughter is growing more independent and I"?m getting established at my new job"

Or Finding Stability, Support and Peace

?Feeling positive, (I) reduced therapy…(and) no longer need anxiety medication, spending time with family and friends"

?I have the opportunity to make more money and also to actually see people face to face, uninhibited. The latter was not possible as my daughter was going through chemotherapy and, of course, COVID"

Many surveyed parents also expressed excitement about opportunities for a ?fresh start" Everything from the change of season, to ending toxic relationships or jobs, and moving to new cities. As one Mom shared, ?Change! A new home addition, sunshine and plans for small vacations"

In this season, and every season, may you be blessed with optimism, and the support you need through life?s dynamic conditions.

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