Goal
Setting For Kids - Seven Elements For Success
Goal setting for kids
is a term that has been gaining popularity, especially since Life Coaching for
grownups has been on the rise. While the goal setting concepts are similar for
adults and children, there are a few details that must be considered according
to age, developmental stage and even personality.
An important point to mention is that every child is unique and will make
progress at his own pace. Don't expect immediate or superb results. It takes
time to adopt a new skill, especially for young people. When teaching any new
skill to kids, be gentle, loving and patient. Remember that you are also
teaching persistence, one of the main values we can pass on to our children.
These seven elements will prove helpful when planning and teaching goal setting
for kids.
1. Lead by example!
Nothing works better than setting the example and showing them how it is done.
It's a good idea to have your child join you in a goal that you both can enjoy,
as a way to teach him how to go about setting and achieving goals. For instance,
make it a goal to bake brownies together. Have your child research the
ingredients, and driving with you to the grocery store to choose and buy them.
Back at home, you can split the tasks until the brownies are out of the oven for
you both to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
2. Communication is a key ingredient.
Talk about the importance of learning goal setting for kids as a skill that will
help them throughout life. Clarify that some goals are harder to get than
others. Explain that challenges and dedication should be present in every goal
that is worthwhile, and that they should see discouragement and frustration as
obstacles to overcome versus reasons to quit. Make sure you both understand what
the goal is and what the deadlines are. Also, it is very important to convey
that you will assist them should they need it, but they must not expect for you
to do their tasks.
3. Hold them accountable.
If your child is old enough to write, have her write her goals in a notebook.
Then teach her how to break those goals into smaller and more manageable tasks.
For instance, if your fourth grader wants to get an 'A' in her next progress
report, make that a goal. Then plan how she is to achieve that with homework
assignments and weekly tasks that will lead her to the desired 'A'. Finally,
make sure the goal has a deadline that is realistic and achievable.
4. Make it a fun process.
When goal setting for kids, have them choose their goals when at all possible.
Goals that are imposed by parents are seldom accomplished. You can make
suggestions for your child to plan a specific goal, but overall, the goal must
resonate with what he wants to get.
5. Help your child succeed.
As you plan the goals with your child, make sure they are relevant to his age,
developmental stage and interests. Also, help him set parameters to make the
goal achievable. At the same time, the goal should be neither too easy so he
loses interest, nor too difficult to result in frustration and abandonment of
the goal altogether. When your child achieves something that has been a bit of a
challenge for him, his self confidence will raise and his self esteem will soar.
From that point on, setting goals with your kids should be more exciting and
enjoyable for the both of you.
6. Make the goal short term.
As adults, we have a better understanding of long term goals; however, kids are
more able to focus on the present and tend to be more impatient. Thus, the first
attempts at goal setting for kids should be rather short term. As they get into
the habit of achieving their goals and confidence is gained, you can push your
kid a bit harder for bigger accomplishments over time.
7. Feedback.
We all need and strive for feedback as a sign to see if we are on the right
track, and it is no different for kids. Always keep realistic outcomes in mind
when planning goal setting for kids, and make sure you provide feedback as they
go. Your feedback should be enthusiastic, but not overly done. Also, don't wait
until the end to provide feedback. A good idea is to ask every now and then how
their resolution is coming along. Praise them, encourage them and/or offer
guidance accordingly.
Feedback should also be given for goals not achieved, but always in a positive
light. Talk to your child about the reasons behind his failure and motivate him
to talk about the things he believes could have been done differently to achieve
better results. Reassure him that mistakes are lessons for us to learn that will
eventually help us correct the path to inevitable success. Overall, remember to
applaud their efforts, not just their accomplishments.
As a parent, keep the big picture in mind at all times. Remember that goal
setting for kids is one of the most important skills that your child can learn;
one that will help him get ready for school, and be better prepared for
adulthood and the work force. Teaching them this skill will only make their life
experience better as they grow, and become successful and equipped for the world
at large.
Discover the formula for effortless family life,
and teach your kids to succeed. Download the "Go for your Goals" free guide and
"Zero Worry Parenting" free report here... http://www.tools-for-abundance.com/LOA_for_kids.html
