Get Them Involved
Involve them in your own goal setting . Maybe you are redecorating a room . Have them research ideas with you , set steps together , and let them be apart of the process . Aside from gaining experience , they will see how following steps to achieve goals works . It allows them to see how it is relevant in gown up daily life , rather than another thing " kids " need to learn .
Be Realistic Children often underestimate how hard it can be to meet a goal , and then they get frustrated and discouraged when they fall short . Point out the challenges and the dedication it will require . The idea isn ' t to make the goal seem unattainable , but to steer them to make smaller more attainable goals to promote successful milestones .
Acknowledgement As your child begins to set goals and work toward them , don ' t forget the compliments . Say something like , " I ' m really impressed . You are doing a great job sticking to your goal !" The encouragement and recognition will help keep them on track without having to nag them .
Let Them Decide Let your kid decide what she wants to achieve so that they have a personal investment in their goal . Then you can help her make a plan . Some goals require more input from you . If learning to figure skate is your kid ' s dream , you ' re going to have to help her set and achieve her targets . " If parents find they ' re nagging or getting angry that their child isn ' t working hard enough to meet a goal , that ' s a signal they need to back off ," warns Edward L . Coyle , PhD , a clinical psychologist in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma .
Short Comings
Sometimes we call short of our goals . It happens . Review the goal together , talk about what worked and what didn ’ t , and what solutions might work in the areas that needed work . Compliment them anyways , acknowledge their effort , “ I ’ m so proud of how hard you worked ” reinforces the things they did accomplish . Perhaps share some childhood memories . Relate to them on a level they can understand , and encourage them to keep going .
SMART Goals is a great way to break down a goal for success . For each goal your child sets , have them fill out the chart . It ' ll get them actively thinking about that is required to accomplish it and help you both check in on the status .
Be Specific : State exactly what you want to accomplish , write it down ! Measurable : Can you track your process ? How will you evaluate how far along you are on your way to achieving your goal Achievable : Is your goal reasonable ? Break down your goal into achievable components . Define small steps by asking the Three W ' s .
" Who can help ?" A teacher , parent , or friend , for example .
" What do I need to do ?" Practice more , write out my times tables .
" When ?" 20 minutes three times a week . Relevant : How does your goal tie into your values and responsibilities ? Timely : Set a realistic time frame based on your ability to complete and accomplish things you need to do to get to your goal .