How to Help Kids Set and Keep Goals – ETB #147

When you set goals, do you set goals for and with your kids? In this episode, I want to talk with you about how you can help your kids set and keep goals. I have gathered together some general goal-setting advice as well as ways to support your kids in their goals. I also have some examples of goals that kids can set.

Goal Setting for Kids

It is important to involve children in the goal-setting process and to help them understand that goals are things we work towards over time. Here are a few tips for talking to kids about making goals:

• Make it age-appropriate: Tailor the goal-setting conversation to your child’s age and maturity level. For younger children, it may be helpful to focus on short-term goals, such as completing a task or learning a new skill. Older children may be ready to set longer-term goals.
• Involve them in the process: Help your child identify their interests and passions and encourage them to set meaningful and relevant goals.
• Be supportive: Encourage your child to set challenging but achievable goals. Offer support and encouragement as they work towards their goals.
• Help them track their progress: Whether through a chart or a simple checklist, help your child keep track of their progress toward their goals. Seeing their progress can help them stay motivated.
• Celebrate their successes: When your child reaches a goal, celebrate their accomplishment and encourage them to set a new goal.

Overall, it’s important to approach goal-setting as a positive, empowering process that helps children develop important skills and confidence.

Supporting Your Kids with Their Goals

Here are a few suggestions for how to help kids start the new year off on the right foot:

• Set SMART goals: Think about what you want to accomplish in the new year and plan how to achieve those goals. Make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
• Make a schedule: Having a schedule can help you stay organized and ensure that you are making time for the things that are important to you.
• Take care of themselves: Make sure to prioritize self-care, such as getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.
• Reflect on the past year: Take some time to think about what went well for you in the past year and what you could have done differently. This can help you identify areas for improvement and plan how to achieve your goals in the new year.
• Seek support: Surround yourself with supportive people who can help you stay motivated and accountable as you work towards your goals.

Overall, the key to a successful new year is to have a clear plan and to take consistent, deliberate action toward your goals.

Practical Goal Examples for Kids

Here are some practical examples to help your kids reach their goals:

• Set a goal to read a certain number of books over a specific time period: Encourage your child to set a goal to read a certain number of books in a month or a year. You can help them choose books appropriate for their age and interests and track their progress with a reading chart.
• Set a goal to learn a new skill: Encourage your child to set a goal to learn a new skill, such as playing a musical instrument or learning a new sport. Help them identify the steps needed to reach their goal and provide support.
• Set a goal to improve their grades: If your child is struggling in a particular subject, help them set a goal to improve their grades. Work with them to develop a plan for how they will achieve this goal, such as seeking extra help from a tutor or teacher.
• Set a goal to save money: Encourage your child to set a goal to save a certain amount of money by a specific date. This can help them learn about budgeting and saving and can also help them develop important money management skills.
• Set a goal to help others: Encourage your child to set a goal to do something kind for someone else, such as volunteering their time or raising money for a good cause. This can help them develop empathy and a sense of purpose.

What goals are your kids working on? How are you going to help your kids set and keep their goals?