Powerful Ways To Help Your Child Set Goals and Stay Focused

It isn’t an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination. They will go off course and push you to your limits. However, following the 5 strategies outlined in this article will help you effectively work with your child in setting goals that matter.

Use reasonable incentives

This strategy has its pros and cons. On the upside, the likelihood of your child achieving the goal drastically increases. For instance, you may want your child to spend at least 2 hours a day studying. The reward could be a new video game if you see improvement in his grades due to the increased study efforts. On the other hand, this strategy is teaching the child that there is always a reward when a goal is accomplished; just accomplishing the goal isn’t enough. There is no intrinsic motivation, no inner desire to make the goal real. That isn’t the way life works. There are times when we put in the hard work to accomplish a goal with the only reward being achieving the goal. That’s what makes this a dangerous practice, but it can be a good place to start if your child begins to see the value of the goal itself after some time.

Have a conversation

Sometimes all your child needs is a listening ear. You shouldn’t pressure your child or create an intense environment that makes him or her feel uncomfortable. It’s important for you to sit down and discuss what your child wants to achieve and the support he or she needs to make it happen. A big goal should be the outcome of this conversation. It’s not about forcing your dreams on your child; listen to what he or she is saying to you and support that passion. A child who feels this support will have few challenges in setting and accomplishing goals.

Create a goal ladder

The big goal you’ve helped your child create should be broken down into smaller goals. A ladder is a good visual representation of this. Each rung of the ladder represents a small task that will help your child accomplish the goal. Consider the example shown below.

Figure 1: Goal-Setting Ladder (Image Source) The long-term goal is on the top rung because that’s ultimately what your child is working towards. The smallest goal is at the bottom of the ladder. The idea is that your child will see the steps that must be taken to make that big goal real.

Outline Possible Obstacles Each goal on your child’s goal ladder will have an obstacle. Help your child consider what these obstacles may be and determine solutions for dealing with these obstacles. Have your child outline all possible bad habits and negative thoughts that can prevent each goal from being accomplished. Confronting them head-on makes accomplishing the goal possible.

Hold your child accountable

Regularly check up on your child’s progress toward achieving each goal on the ladder. Goal attainment isn’t a road that should be traveled alone. Your child will need your help with making strides toward success. Never forget this. These strategies will help your child not only set goals but also maintain the necessary focus to accomplish them. Although your input is needed, don’t allow your desires and dreams to overshadow your child’s voice. Listen to your child’s goals and provide the support necessary to make accomplishing them possible.