Goal Setting for Kids
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life.
However, teaching kids how to set and achieve goals is not part
of most school curriculums, nor is it taught in most homes. Many
parents never learned the techniques of goal setting, and are
still struggling with their own. You don't need to know it all.
While you develop your own goal-setting skills, you can also be
helping and encouraging your children to develop theirs. Goal
setting is a life-long skill. It helps your child to focus their
unique gifts and talents, it helps to cultivate and
strengthening your child's self-worth, and equips them to lead a
life full of meaning purpose, and direction, regardless of the
professional or personal paths they choose.
Things to consider when setting goals with your kids CAREER -
school grades, skill development, future plan (ambition);
PERSONAL- character development, and personal growth
(self-image, sense of responsibility, ability, sefl-esteem),
appearance HEALTH - exercise, diet, over-all well-being, balance
COMMUNITY - commitment to serving others (volunteer work)
FINANCIAL - understanding the value of money, earning, saving
FRIENDS - expanding their circle of friends, choosing friends
wisely HOUSEHOLD - chores, contribution to building home life
RECREATION - hobbies, relaxation, fun activities (movies,
parties, etc.) ,
Things to remember Expect resistance; Be firm; Look for
performance, not perfection; Kids need to see the end before
they begin (incentive - what will happen if...); Kids need
rewards; Kids need praise.
Results As kids learn how to set goals and experience the
difference goal setting makes in their personal destinies, it
will encourage them to take action. They will begin to create
lives for themselves that they want and "Dare to live their
Dreams!" As your kids become more aware of greater possibilities
in their lives, and tap into their respective talents they will
develop a stronger sense of self and of their contribution to
society.