Helping Kids Set Goals in the New Year

As we begin the new year, it can be a great time to discuss and help your child set goals. Goals can help a child narrow their focus and verbalize their values.

“Goals create a value-based life. It verbalizes the things that are important to them and gives a child something positive to work toward,” said Dr. Emily Corwin, Medical Director of Pediatric Psychology at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

As you’re helping your child set a goal, make sure they are SMART goals that are attainable within an appropriate timeframe.

What is a SMART goal?

• Specific: Plan effectively with specific targets in mind.
• Measurable: Track your progress and reevaluate along the way.
• Attainable: Set realistic goals that are challenging but achievable.
• Relevant: Ensure the goal serves a relevant purpose.
• Time: Specify a deadline, monitor progress and reevaluate.

Goals are very dependent on your child’s age and what makes them feel good about themselves.

What are examples of attainable goals for my child?

• I’m going to read 10 books this year.
• I’m going to score above 90% on every spelling test.
• I’m going to complete three chores each week.
• I’m going to better my mile time.

How do I keep my child motivated?

• If they’re falling behind on their goal, talk to them about how they can manage their time to get back on track.
• Adjust the goal as needed to keep it positive but still an appropriate challenge for your child.
• Give a reward for completing tasks.

Should there be a reward as my child is working to complete their goal(s)?

• If your child comes to you wanting to set the goal, a reward isn’t necessary but can be a great motivator.
• If the parent suggests setting a goal, talk to your child about what would encourage them as they are working towards the goal.
• Make sure the reward is not too big and something they can earn overtime. (Ex: A small allowance for completing chores.)
• Screentime can be a great reward if limited. Not all screentime is created equal. (Ex: Quality time with family watching a movie versus scrolling on an app for hours.)
• Avoid using food as a reward.

Visual representations are great motivators and can help your child stay on track to complete their goal(s).

How can you help your child track their goal(s)?

• Buy or create a calendar and mark the days the task(s) is completed.
• Create a fundraising thermometer, so your child can fill in the thermometer as they complete tasks.
• Build a chore chart that lists all the tasks your child wants to complete, so they can check them off as they go.
• Create a visual tracker that has a start and finish. (Ex: A car moves along the road as your child completes tasks to finish the road trip.)

“Set your child up for success by getting their input and involvement from the beginning, reminding them what good can come from goal setting and being positive and encouraging throughout the process.”

Resources

Here are some great resources to help your child set and reach their goals:

• 5 Facts About Goal Setting - Here are 5 practical tips on goal setting that can help make it easier to set and reach goals.
• Exercise Log - Keeping an exercise log is a great way to stay motivated and reach exercise goals.
• Motivation and the Power of Not Giving Up - Everyone struggles with staying motivated and reaching their goals. Just look at how many people diet, lose weight, and then gain it back again. But it's still possible to stay motivated if you take the right approach.
• Helping Kids Enjoy Reading - For many kids, reading doesn't come easily. But these simple steps can help them become eager readers.
• SMART Goals and Kids’ Mental Health - Creating SMART goals is a way to help kids break down goals into smaller parts, which helps their sense of progress