Setting Goals with Children
Posted: June 10, 2024
By: Simrah Wasim, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Why are goals important for children?
It is essential to set goals with children. This helps increase their self-esteem and creates productive behaviors and positive attitudes. Goals also start positive habit-making at an early age, teaching responsibility and structure. The more a person sets goals, the more likely they are to accomplish them. Goals also inspire children to challenge themselves to try and participate in new things. Setting goals with your child instead of for them sets them up for success!
Here are some tips to help with creating goals. Firstly, let your child choose their goal. Ask them questions such as "What is something you would like to achieve?" or "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" Open-ended questions are great to ask children so their minds can start the decision-making process. It is also important to make sure that the goal is measurable. This helps track progress to see improvement. Secondly, discuss the purpose of the goal with your child. Ask questions such as "What is your intention with this goal?" or "Who does this help and how?" This helps the child understand what intentions are. "Why does this goal matter? Why do I want to achieve this?"
It is also crucial to help create steps to achieve the goal. Figure out what the necessary steps are to achieve the goal and write them down together with your child. This is something to refer to if the child is feeling stuck or might need a little motivation. Writing down steps and goals also increases the chances of successfully completing them. Lastly, consider potential obstacles. Have realistic conversations about any of the problems that might arise whilst achieving the goal. Provide support and acceptance regarding your child. Remind them of their purpose and what to do when an obstacle occurs, celebrate the productive steps and their ambition, and emphasize positive self-talk.
Why are goals important for children?
It is essential to set goals with children. This helps increase their self-esteem and creates productive behaviors and positive attitudes. Goals also start positive habit-making at an early age, teaching responsibility and structure. The more a person sets goals, the more likely they are to accomplish them. Goals also inspire children to challenge themselves to try and participate in new things. Setting goals with your child instead of for them sets them up for success!
Here are some tips to help with creating goals. Firstly, let your child choose their goal. Ask them questions such as "What is something you would like to achieve?" or "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" Open-ended questions are great to ask children so their minds can start the decision-making process. It is also important to make sure that the goal is measurable. This helps track progress to see improvement. Secondly, discuss the purpose of the goal with your child. Ask questions such as "What is your intention with this goal?" or "Who does this help and how?" This helps the child understand what intentions are. "Why does this goal matter? Why do I want to achieve this?"
It is also crucial to help create steps to achieve the goal. Figure out what the necessary steps are to achieve the goal and write them down together with your child. This is something to refer to if the child is feeling stuck or might need a little motivation. Writing down steps and goals also increases the chances of successfully completing them. Lastly, consider potential obstacles. Have realistic conversations about any of the problems that might arise whilst achieving the goal. Provide support and acceptance regarding your child. Remind them of their purpose and what to do when an obstacle occurs, celebrate the productive steps and their ambition, and emphasize positive self-talk.
These are some goals that can be added to daily routines. Begin with attempting these goals once or twice a week. Then, progressively implement them however fits best.
- Get organized.
- Clean up toys after playing with them each time.
- Clean their room once a week.
- Put all supplies away after use.
- Find a hobby that you enjoy and spend time doing it at least once or twice a week.
- Set family time aside weekly. This can include time to play games together, talk about feelings, do outdoor activities, etc.
- Share toys with friends and family.
- Try to have respectful conversations with siblings instead of fighting.
- Lessen/limit the amount of social media use and video games.
- Determine the time allowed for social media use and video games.
- Use "screen time" to automatically stop social media use at a specific time if needed.
- Create a productive new morning and nighttime routine with the child.
- Work on procrastination.
- Eat all healthy meals on time and drink more water.
- Complete homework before it is due.
- Create specific goals that apply to your child's needs.
Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!
If you would like more help with how to establish goals with your children, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
- Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists
- Find ways to thrive through therapy today!