Setting goals and achieving those goals is part of the process of growing up. Children set goals frequently, but these can be goals such as getting more candy. Parents and other caregivers can help children set appropriate goals and initiate behaviors and actions that will help the children achieve those goals. According to Donnette E. Davis of St. Aiden's Homeschool, parents and caregivers should make these goal setting activities fun for the children so they do not get bored.
Setting Goals on Paper
Helping children write down appropriate goals helps make the goals concrete. Children can be prompted to think about different areas of their lives, such as school, home, health, reading and relationships. Asking the children if they want to accomplish anything in particular in those areas can elicit appropriate goals, such as improving math scores in school. If the child does not have an idea in an area, one can be suggested, such as "improved relationship with sibling" in the relationships area.
Deciding on Courses of Action
After children have their goals written down, they may have only vague ideas of how to go about achieving those goals. While improved math grades in school can be considered a worthy goal, the course of action to listen more carefully in class may not by itself help the child actually attain better grades. Children can be prompted to think about what daily actions will help in the achievement of goals, but if they have trouble, some actions can be suggested, such as working 30 minutes every day on extra math problems. These courses of action should be written down. Posting the courses of action in an easily viewable area such as on a refrigerator door helps keep the focus on the actions.
Follow Up
Some goals have time frames that are easily recognized. Improved grades in school can be checked when the next report card is released. Other goals, such as improved relationships with siblings, have time frames that are more nebulous. Regardless, the goals and the progress toward achieving those goals should be revisited regularly. This helps reinforce the importance of the goal and how the courses of action makes those goals achievable. By tying together the courses of action, or behaviors, with the achievement of goals, children can continue on their way to independence and adulthood.
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