Dear parents, goal setting are important in life because they give us a sense of direction and purpose. When we have goals, we have something to work towards and this can help us stay motivated and focused, even when things get tough.
This is why helping your children /teens set and achieve goals can help set them up with great habits for life.
Here are some tips on how I helped my son set achievable goals each school year❤️
- Break Big Goals into Little Goals
Let’s say your child wants to learn how to read. That is a really big goal, but on its own is quite daunting. So, break that Big Goal into smaller, bite-sized goals. If you use your child’s school phonics curriculum, for example, your child’s goal could be to complete one lesson a week. (If your child is in reception or year1 you should have some sort of phonics curriculum, if not ask your child’s teacher for one)
Using this method would allow them to make steady progress toward their Big Goal—learning to read—while celebrating successes along the way. (And they would start reading and blending three-letter words in Week 9!)
You can also send me a DM if you need help with this, we can help!
- Ensure Goals are Realistic
It’s also important to help children keep goals specific to things they have control over. For example, a goal of getting 100% on every test is not realistic. That depends on the test, how the teacher is marking, the child’s understanding of the content, and a million other things.
BUT… they do have control over how much they study. A better, more attainable goal would be to review notes every night for 30 minutes, or to study for a certain amount of time before each test.
- Keep Goals Short-Term
This one is especially true for the little ones. For your youngest, you should focus on a small, attainable goal that he can accomplish in about a week. For example, to do up the laces on his own shoes.
- Build on Goals (Or Switch it Up!)
If your child’s goal is accomplished in one week, then… What’s next? Build on that goal! So, if your little one’s goal was to tie his shoelaces, perhaps their next goal could be to learn how to zip and button a pair of jeans. Or maybe their next goal will be to learn to clean her own dishes!
Kids’ interests change like the wind, so it only makes sense that their goals will too.
- Celebrate Success!
When your child achieves a goal. Please tell your child how proud you are of them, and let them tell you how proud they are of themselves. Share their achievements with friends and family.
- Share your own goals with them. Children copy what they see. Lead by example. If your children hear you talking about your goals and celebrating your successes, they will want to as well.
My son is 19 years old now and I am so happy that he still set goals for himself. And we do celebrate his achievements and accomplishments together. I’m so proud of the man he is becoming.
Remember a goal without a plan is just a dream. So make an action plan on how to achieve each goals you set with your kids.
I hope this helps 🙏🏾🥰🥰
Happy parenting 🥰❤️❤️
Olu ❤️❤️❤️
WHEN WE KNOW BETTER AS PARENTS WE MUST DO BETTER –
Positive Parenting With Olu 