The end of our current year and the start of a new one always inspires us to make changes and set new goals for ourselves. Whether big or small, it’s important to recognize what changes we’d like to see in our lives, and how we can go about taking action towards them. Saving money, implementing exercise into our routines, and reorganizing our homes are just a few of some common goals that many of us often set.
It’s important that we impart this act of goal-setting to our children, as it can help them learn more about themselves and their wants, as well as how to go about achieving them. Below, we’ve outlined a few ways that you can help your child figure out what they dream about doing, and how to best support them.
1. Allow Them To Decide
As parents, it can be all too easy to push our own desires onto our children, whether subconsciously or not. But in order for them to grow and shape their own identity, it’s imperative to let them set their own goals. Even if we’re not crazy about them, as long as they’re beneficial to our children, and they’re excited to try and reach them, that’s all that matters.
2. Encourage Them Even If They Struggle
It will probably be easier for your little one to succeed in whatever goal they choose if you help them break it down step by step. By breaking it into smaller, more manageable pieces, there’s a much greater chance that they’ll feel better, and more able, to meet their goal. You can also ask them how you can help!
3. Show Them How You Set Your Own Goals
Lead by example! If you’ve ever set goals for yourself, and found a way that works for you, perhaps assist your child in approaching their goal in a similar way. Maybe they write down on a piece of paper what they want to achieve (with your help), and place it somewhere that they’ll see, and be reminded of it, everyday.
4. Give A Reward For Achieving Their Goal
If your little one reaches their goal, reward them with whatever you deem fit. While the happiness and confidence that comes with meeting a goal are a great reward in themselves, it doesn’t hurt to give your child a little extra encouragement and support that what they did was meaningful and important!
The goals that your children set can be small, or large, but what really matters is that they’re discovering what they’re passionate and curious about. Practicing goal-setting, and the journey of working towards them, will boost their self-esteem and help set an important foundation that supports them as they grow!
