Just around the corner, we’ll be looking at the beginning of a new year and with a new year, comes new goals and aspirations. For most people it’s a time to wipe the slate clean and start over. For other people it’s a chance to start on the path of something they’ve always wanted to do. Children can create their own goals for the new year too and no matter what they set their sites on, here is how the two of you can work together to make it happen.

Discuss wishes and goals

There is a difference between wishes and goals. A wish is something that you would like to have (“I wish I could have a better report card”) while a goal is something that is specific and attainable (“I will raise my grade in science”). It’s important for your child to know the difference between a wish and a goal so that they can identify the differences between the two.

Make the goal visual

Do you ever do something better if you can actually see it? For instance, it often becomes easier to lose weight when you see or feel the difference in how your clothing fits. For this reason, it’s helpful for children to “see” what their goal might look like.

Start by having your child draw how they think their goal will look on a piece of paper. They could make a picture of themselves holding a science paper with an “A” or a “B” on it or something similar.

Map out the steps

With your child, help them brainstorm the things they can do to achieve the goal that they’ve set. Once they’ve come up with the steps necessary to making their goal complete, have them write the steps on slips of a piece of paper; either attached to the picture that they drew or on a separate piece of paper. Explain to your child that it’s important to know the steps to take in order to achieve the goal. In some ways it’s like taking a journey; in order to get to your destination, you need a map to guide you on the trip.

Creative charting and mapping

Writing everything down can get boring so why not make achieving a goal fun? Have your child use a paper plate or make a ladder. Place the picture of them achieving the goal in the center of the paper plate or at the top of the ladder. Write the steps around the edges of the plate or on each rung of the ladder. As your child goes along they can punch a hole in each step they’ve completed on the paper plate. If you’re using a ladder, find a symbol that represents them to move up the ladder as they complete each step.

Discussing setbacks and challenges

It’s important for your child to know that there could be obstacles on the way to achieving their goal. Open the discussion by asking them what are some potential problems they could have in achieving their goals and ask how they could overcome them. Write these down for your child and put it someplace that they can read it from time to time. Include a personal note if you like or something uplifting and motivational that can help them through any challenges they encounter.

Create a goal time line

In order to help your child keep their eye on the goal, help them set a time line to achieve the goal by. If it’s a better grade they’re after opt for mid-term time or report card time. This way your child has a deadline to look forward to as well as a completed goal. By creating a deadline your child will be less likely to walk away from the goal or forget about it.

Remember that just because your child has created a goal for themselves and the steps necessary does not mean your work is done! Continue to support them on their journey and talk to them as they go. Part of goal setting is the staying on task and keeping your eye on the prize so it’s important to praise their effort in addition to completing the goal. Whether they complete the goal or not, their efforts and the hard work they put into completing the goal should be recognized and praised.

image: weliton