As Christmas fades and New Year’s Eve approaches, our thoughts turn towards making resolutions and goals for the upcoming year.
I used to make resolutions, but they never stuck past Valentines Day. Am I alone here? 1/3 of those who make resolutions won’t make it past January according to one poll.
My wife and I now make goals and have been able to stay on track longer and see success throughout the year, not just in January.
As a parent, I am trying to include my child in setting goals for the New Year.
How to Include Children in Setting Goals for the New Year
If I want my kid to learn how to achieve success through goal setting, I’ll have to both model and teach him along the way.
Below are a few thoughts and ideas about helping your children learn how to set goals:
Model- First and foremost, learn how to make goals yourself and model it for your children. Share a few of your goals with your children and explain why you are making them.
SMART- Make SMART goals for both you and your children.
- Specific- What exactly is your goal?
- Measurable- How will you know when the goal has been met?
- Attainable- What steps will you make to achieve this goal?
- Realistic- Can you actually achieve this goal? Make sure the goal is age appropriate.
- Timely- When will this goal be achieved? Put a date on when goals will be met.
Ask Them- Talk with your child about goal setting and what areas they want to make a goal. Need help? Try a few of the below areas to assist your child to set goals in.
- Spiritual
- Financial
- Career- high school students may want to start planning their careers.
- Family
- Physical
- Personal Development
- Hobbies
- Social
Make it Visual - Children are very visual and can lose track of goals. Use a chart on the wall, marbles in a jar, or other visual method that children can see their success and progress along the way.
Reward your child along the way for achieving goals. As goals are met, include an incentive that will motivate them along the way.
Keep it Fun- This isn’t goal setting boot camp for toddlers. It should be a stress free and enjoyable exercise for all involved. If it begins to cause stress or anxiety, back off and try again when they are older.
Do you include your children in goal setting? What tips do you have for the rest of us?
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