As we prepare to welcome a brand-new year, many of us take a moment to reflect on the past 12 months. We think about our accomplishments, our challenges, and our hopes for the future. For families, the start of a new year presents a unique opportunity to come together, set goals, and create a shared vision for the months ahead.
On this episode of Moppet Dadsperience, this father of five tells us about his family goals for the new year, 2025. Let’s hear him.
Kindly introduce yourself and what you do for a living.
I am Omeiza Shaibu. I am a Fashion Designer and also sell fabrics.
How many children do you have and how old are they?
I have five daughters who are 11, 9, 7, 5 years old, and the last one is 8 months old respectively.
How long have you been married?
I have been married for 13 years.
What are your top goals for your family in the upcoming year?
My top goal for the coming year is to finish my house project and move in with my family. Also to buy a car by God’s grace.
Do you and your family make New Year’s resolutions together? What are some of your resolutions for the upcoming year?
No, I don’t make new year resolutions, but towards the beginning of every year, I often make plans on how I want the year to be for me. For instance, I balance my business account for the year and make projections for the new year.
How do you plan to prioritize family time and make memories with your loved ones in the new year?
Because of the nature of my business, this is a rush period for us so I don’t celebrate much. Though, as a father, I often use holidays to relax with my family and friends whenever I am free.
What are some parenting strategies or techniques you’re looking to implement or improve in the New Year?
Creating more time for my daughters, especially the oldest one who is relapsing in her school work. Her teachers are complaining that she now plays too much.
How do you plan to prioritize your own personal growth and self-care in the new year, and how will this impact your family?
In terms of self-care, I hope to create more time to have good sleep. I will exercise more. My sugar level is kind of high, so, I will try to cut down my sugar intake. For personal growth, I want to get a car for myself and move out of my rented apartment.
As a man, once you get married, your priorities change – All your focus is on your family; their comfort, growth and happiness is all you are striving for, such that your own growth is now connected to the growth of your household.
What values or principles do you hope to instill in your children in the upcoming year?
Academic excellence and seriousness, especially my eldest daughter. The complaints I am getting are disturbing.
What are some new family activities or traditions you’re looking to start in the new year?
None for now. Though, I believe there will be a new family routine when we move to our new house.
How do you plan to celebrate milestones and special occasions with your family in the upcoming year?
By giving thanks to God and organizing family get-togethers.
How do you plan to have a stable income for your family? How do you also plan to manage your family finance in the coming year?
My business already provides me with the stable income I need. I am also hoping I get more contracts to sew uniforms for schools and other organizations.
What are some challenges you anticipate facing as a parent in the new year, and how do you plan to overcome them?
My prayer is for the year to be smooth without any challenge. However, the challenge I fear is the cost of building materials like cement and wood. Now, my house is being roofed. I just hope that towards the new year, the cost of items don’t skyrocket.
If the cost of things become higher, will you stop the building project?
No, I won’t. This is because my estimate is about 20% more than the actual amount needed.
How do you plan to support your wife and children in overcoming their own challenges and setbacks in the upcoming year?
By being caring and providing them with both material and non-material support.
What advice would you give to other parents on navigating the new year?
I will advise them to make concrete and achievable plans rather than just resolutions.