It is normal (and easier) for kids to just think about their daily tasks but having something to work toward and exerting energy to get there is important in their development. This is not only a skill we practice at school but also something you may want to try at home. Having your child save money for an item they really want to have teaches them much more than just buying that item for them. Accomplishing set goals gives kids a rewarding feeling. Below are the steps for achieving goals with kids (from http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/24471/how-to-set-goals)
A simple four step plan for achieving goals with kids.
So what are the steps to actually making your child’s dream a reality? How do we help them to turn a goal into a realistic, achievable task? Here’s a simple plan that will break up the goals into manageable steps. Once the goal is broken down into easy to accomplish stages, even the biggest dream will feel within reach.
1. Choose the goals. Write down your child’s goals. They could even make a poster and hang it on the fridge or the bedroom wall.
2. Set a time frame. Decide a date by which your child would like to accomplish their goal. You may need to guide them here to help them keep it realistic.
3. Break the goal down into stages. What concrete steps need to be taken to reach the goal? Write down everything that needs to be done. For example, if the goal is to learn to swim, the steps might be to find a swim school, buy a bathing suit and goggles, determine what days your child can attend swim classes, etc.
4. Plan. Write down exactly when your child will perform each of the steps that were determined in step 3. For the example of learning to swim, Week 1 – research swim schools in your local area. Week 2 – book classes and buy a bathing suit. Week 3 – begin classes.
5. Celebrate. When your child achieves their goal – celebrate their achievement!
5. Celebrate. When your child achieves their goal – celebrate their achievement!
