Kids Goals And Resolutions: Helping Your Children Set Attainable Goals
Most adults set goals and resolutions for the New Year. It is a time for reflection, and that brings forth things that we may want to change for the better. But goal setting isn't just for grown-ups. It is good for kids as well.
Children's goals are often much different from those of adults. The subject matter is different because kids' lives and interests are different. Both children and adults need to set goals that are attainable, but what is attainable for an adult may be out of reach to a child.
How Do I Know What Is Attainable for My Child?
It's hard to know just what each individual child is capable of when he sets his mind to it. But in general, the younger the child, the more easily reachable the goal should be. If the child has never set goals before, it is best to start off simple and then progress once he has achieved a goal or two.
Larger goals are best handled by breaking them down into smaller steps that will help children work toward achieving them. This applies to adults as well, but it's especially important to stress this to children. If they don't see some measurable progress in a reasonable amount of time, they might get discouraged and give up.
How Can I Encourage My Child to Set Goals?
We can encourage children to set goals by making it fun to do so. You could ask your child to draw pictures of the goals he would like to achieve. You might also make it a family affair and have everyone sit down and discuss his or her goals.
When a child comes up with a goal, it is important to discuss why he wants to achieve that goal. Coming up with several reasons will provide added motivation. And the more motivated your child is, the better his chances of reaching his goal.
If a child wants to set a goal that may be out of reach, discuss it with him. Asking him how he is going to attain such a goal instead of bluntly stating that you don't think he can do it will encourage him to rethink the goal while preserving his self-esteem. You could also help him break the goal down into smaller steps. He may not have realized how involved the goal would be when he thought of it.
When a child sets a goal, it is important to encourage him along the way. Praise for achieving the smaller steps will motivate him to keep going. If he falters along the way, he may need some consolation and encouragement to keep trying.
Helping children set attainable goals while they are young is good for them. Achieving goals is great for self-esteem, and making goal setting a habit early makes it more likely that they will continue throughout life.
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