Parentotheca’s Newsletter
Learn. Parent. Grow.
Issue #8
Hello Friends!
And Happy (slightly belated) New Year!
By now, the decorations are packed away, the routines are back in motion… and most of us are quietly wondering whether our New Year’s resolutions will last longer than our leftover cookies.
Actually, let’s talk about resolutions.
Every January, we promise ourselves we’ll get fitter, calmer, more productive, more organised… basically, better humans. But what if, this year, instead of only focusing on personal goals, we chose something far more powerful?
What if 2026 became the year you transformed your family life?
In this issue we’ll talk about:
· 12 parenting resolutions that actually make family life better (I’ve checked)
· My 2025 annual review – the books that shaped my thinking last year
· My 2026 reading list and the questions I’m exploring next
If you’re not already following me on Instagram or Facebook, please come say hi – I’d love to connect with you there!
Let’s dive in!
New Year’s Resolutions? Let’s Talk Parenting Resolutions for 2026!
A couple of years ago, I decided to run a bold little life experiment inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project (check out my notes). I called it The Wise Parenting Project – and for 12 months, I committed to intentionally upgrading how we parent, connect, communicate, and live as a family.
Our home became a real-time parenting lab. Real kids. Real chaos. Real emotions. Real growth.
I tried research-backed tools, mindset shifts, communication techniques, structure, warmth, boundaries…
And guess what?
The changes stuck.
Not perfectly (because perfection isn’t parenting).
But deeply. Consistently. Meaningfully.
Many of those habits are still part of our family rhythm today. And they’ve made parenting lighter, calmer, and more intentional.
This year, I want to pass that gift to you.
12 Parenting Resolutions That Can Change Everything
Start small. Pick one. Or build your own “Wise Parenting Project” for 2026.
- Create a Family Mission Statement
- Try simple Agile tools at home
- Schedule Special Time with each child
- Prioritise Play
- Be proactive, not reactive
- Master communication
- Prioritise date nights
- Talk more, talk better
- Focus on strengths
- Set boundaries and expectations
- Lead, don’t boss
- Create memories on purpose
You can dive deeper into each resolution, tools, and occasional step-by-step guides on the blog. And if you want help actually designing your very own Wise Parenting Project – I’d love to coach you through it this year!
If you want 2026 to be the year you feel calmer, more confident, and truly connected to your child, reply to this newsletter or reach out for coaching:
P.S.: My personal New Year’s resolution is to give even more back to this community. I’m working on turning this wisdom into a practical, structured course – more soon.
My Annual Review: What I Learned in 2025
Every year, I distill the most powerful parenting, relationship, and personal growth ideas I’ve read.
My 2025 Annual Review is now live – packed with insights, book summaries, and the titles that genuinely shaped how I think and parent.
2025 Annual Review – Best Books of The Year
My 2026 Reading List
Every January, I share my reading plans for the year ahead. It’s my way of staying curious, intentional, and growing right alongside you.
This year, I’m setting a modest goal of 20 books, with one big focus: the teenage ecosystem.
Think:
Teen brains. Teen emotions. Sibling dynamics.
In other words – what is actually happening in there, and how do we stay deeply connected (and sane) while everyone’s nervous system is… still under construction?
Alongside this theme, my list also includes some powerful self-growth and parenting titles I’m genuinely excited about. I’ll be sharing the ideas, tools, and “aha” moments as I read.
I’ll be posting my book notes along the way – so stay tuned:
The Books We’re Excited to Read in 2026
What’s New on Parentotheca
Here’s what dropped this month:
New Book Summary:
- The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Coach’s Corner: I’m Here to Help
If you’re tired of feeling reactive, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re “doing it right,” let’s change that. Parenting isn’t guesswork – it’s a skill set. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Whether you want:
- a calmer home
- better communication
- a stronger connection with your child
- a parenting strategy that actually works
I’m here.
Reply to this email, book a coaching call, or simply tell me what’s hard right now. Let’s build the parent you want to be and the family life your children will remember with warmth, safety, and joy.
Here’s to a year of courage, compassion, and deeply connected parenting.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Parenting is hard. But don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better.
Talk soon,
Irina
