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New Year’s Resolutions for Kids: Goal Setting Guidelines

Posted by Sunita P on

A brand new year is the perfect time to start a new healthy habit like goal setting. Notorious for being broken, you can stay on track with your New Year’s Resolutions by following our guidelines for staying on track with your goals and plans.  

  • Develop SMART Goals. This framework helps individuals set and reach attainable goals. 
    • Specific - Get really detailed about your goals and narrow down your goals. 
      • Example Goal: Get better at soccer -> Narrow down to “I want to be able to do a specific move”. 
      • Ask yourself: What does it mean to get “better” at soccer”?
    • Measurable - Goals need to include something you can check off on a list. This is especially great for times when you feel that you’re not progressing as much. This can help remind you that you are progressing simply by showing up. 
      • Example Goal: Get better at soccer -> I want to practice twice a week
      • Ask yourself: How do you know you’re making progress? What do you need to see steps towards your goal? 
    • Attainable:  Start by setting a small goal you can reach easily. Don’t set lofty goals that will discourage you. Once you reach your small goal, continue to develop mini-milestones that help achieve your main goal. 
      • Example Goal: Get better at soccer -> I will practice on Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour after school.
      • Ask yourself: What’s the very first thing you can do today or within the week to get started on your goals?
    • Relevant/Reasonable: Goals that are easily achievable will encourage you to pursue your interests and passions. 
      • Ask yourself: What about this goal makes you inspired to complete it? 
      • Example Goal: Get better at soccer -> Soccer is my favorite sport. I enjoy watching and playing with my teammates
    • Timely: Set aside time to pursue your goal. Write it out! So that you can check in with yourself about your goals often to change any expectations you have around your goal. 
      • Ask yourself: What progress do I need to see each week/month to complete my goal?
  • Accountability Check - Set a time and date to regularly check-in with your goals. Measure your progress and check-in with yourself to see if you are in line to complete your goal when you set it.
  • Create a Tracker - Create a chart to map your milestones. Add stickers on days you work towards your goal and see your progress. 
  • Small Rewards for Milestones - Reward yourself as you reach milestones. For example, if your child practices soccer 2 days a week like they wanted, treat them to ice cream or their choice on family movie night. 
  • Get the Whole Family Involved - Now that you know how to set goals, set one with the family. By setting the goal with your whole family, you can support and hold each other accountable. Here are some examples:
    • Eat dinner as a family every Friday night. 
    • Put your shoes in the closet when you arrive home. 
    • Put away toys when we are done playing with them.

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