Goal setting can be done at any part of the year, and now is a better time than any for parents to assist their children with planning and creating purposeful achievements.
Research shows that goals are seldom developed by children.
Therefore, parental guidance with goal setting is a great way for parents to help their child visualize reachable experiences.
But how can parents keep goals simple in order to make them achievable for children? At my company, Practice in Motion Training Institute in Atlanta, I offer practical advice to parents who want to develop new year resolutions or set goals with their children.
I often advise parents to place more attention on small individual steps that will lead to the final goal.
This is important because children need to experience immediate success, so a strong start reinforces their "I can" belief and gives them the confidence to move forward.
Here are 5 key steps that parents can use for goal setting with children.
1)Make goals smalland adjust the completion time for the age range of your child.
· 3-5 years old-achievable within a day or two · 6-10 years old-achievable within a week · 11-15 years old-achievable within a month · 16-21 years old- achievable within a year with several benchmarks along the way 2)Make goals achievable and measurable with specific numbers.
Examples: · I will read one new book a week.
· I will put my shoes in the closet each night.
3)Have some way to know when the goal has been reached and celebrate small successes.
· High Fives or Applauses · Stickers or favorite treats 4)Revamp what is not working.
· Talk with your child about how to restructure the goal.
· Make the conversation about the goal and not the lack of success.
5)Be a model and an example for your child · Be mindful of how you handle obstacles and resolve setbacks.
· What kinds of statements do you make about your own errors or mistakes? (remember your children are always watching and listening) Regardless of how small the success, parents should maintain a positive, encouraging spirit for their child.
Doing this will help them remain enthused when results appear small.
Research shows that goals are seldom developed by children.
Therefore, parental guidance with goal setting is a great way for parents to help their child visualize reachable experiences.
But how can parents keep goals simple in order to make them achievable for children? At my company, Practice in Motion Training Institute in Atlanta, I offer practical advice to parents who want to develop new year resolutions or set goals with their children.
I often advise parents to place more attention on small individual steps that will lead to the final goal.
This is important because children need to experience immediate success, so a strong start reinforces their "I can" belief and gives them the confidence to move forward.
Here are 5 key steps that parents can use for goal setting with children.
1)Make goals smalland adjust the completion time for the age range of your child.
· 3-5 years old-achievable within a day or two · 6-10 years old-achievable within a week · 11-15 years old-achievable within a month · 16-21 years old- achievable within a year with several benchmarks along the way 2)Make goals achievable and measurable with specific numbers.
Examples: · I will read one new book a week.
· I will put my shoes in the closet each night.
3)Have some way to know when the goal has been reached and celebrate small successes.
· High Fives or Applauses · Stickers or favorite treats 4)Revamp what is not working.
· Talk with your child about how to restructure the goal.
· Make the conversation about the goal and not the lack of success.
5)Be a model and an example for your child · Be mindful of how you handle obstacles and resolve setbacks.
· What kinds of statements do you make about your own errors or mistakes? (remember your children are always watching and listening) Regardless of how small the success, parents should maintain a positive, encouraging spirit for their child.
Doing this will help them remain enthused when results appear small.
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