Every year in January many parents set goals for themselves.
It may be dreams: work related, health related and so much more. We write them all down and then start working on a plan to get there.
What about the kids?
Can you imagine how much children can learn and grow if they begin goal-setting at a young age? Why not include the kids and have them write down some things they would like to accomplish this month, this summer or this year. Have a family night where goal-setting is discussed and everyone makes a list of personal goals.
For children it could be reading so many books a week or month, playing a sport, making better grades in school, saving for something they really want. The list is endless.
Then help them develop a plan. Each goal needs to be broken down into smaller pieces. Have them prioritize goals by what is most important to them. Then help them set a plan into action to make the goal a reality and not just a dream. What steps do they need to take to get there? If they would like to save for something special, how will they make money to save? Can they do chores around the house to earn money. If they want to excel at a sport, how much do they need to practice?
Each small success should be recorded so that your children can see their progress toward the final goal. Charts or a vision board are an excellent way to create a visual reminder of the goal, the steps made and the steps still to be taken to reach the goal. Saul Bellow said, “Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.” When your child sees the visual chart or board they can see how far they’ve come.
Most people are natural procrastinators. When you have a deadline to accomplish your goal, you are less likely to postpone working on it. Brian Tracy said, “Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines.” By writing down the goal and the end date you help the dream become a reality.
Success in itself is often a great reward, but sometimes you need more motivation. Maybe after reaching part of their goal you can reward them with something that motivates them. Most parents know what their children would love for a reward.
Teaching your children to set goals and achieve them will enable them to learn to succeed. It also helps them learn that when they first fail, they can pick themselves back up and try again.
Having dreams is great, but it is even greater to achieve that dream.
Help your children learn to be like Walt Disney who said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”
Looking for some ideas of how to get your child started? Check out this website.
