How can I help my children set targets and goals for themselves ?

Question

My children and I were setting goals to achieve in this new year. I ended up saying how they wanted to try "keeping a diary" etc. My children are 11yrs and 8yrs. How do I encourage them to set a goal without forcing or being to "mummy" about it.?

Answer 1

Let them design and make a chart, Get them to list things they want to achieve, then decide what their reward will be for achieving them.

Answer 2

Children need small , Attainable, goals with rewards. What seems simple to you may be monumental for them. If they want to keep a diary, then let them. Allow them to write just a word or a sentence without reading, criticizing it. In this way they will feel they have some privacy and are successful. Set simple goals.
How about 1 new word a week and the every time they use that new word they get a reward. Keep a supply of pretty printed pencils, erasers, candy, pencil grips, clear lip gloss etc...
For they need to feel like there is a prize for reaching the goals and in this way they will be motivated to reach for more goals and higher achievements.

Answer 3

Buy them both a really nice notebook/diary to inspire them to write in it. Suggest a Q & A for the beginning, all about themselves, interests, friends, school etc. Bear in mind though that keeping a diary is not for everyone, and they may not stick to it. You have to promise NEVER to read it and MEAN IT!!!
We try and set a goal to learn something new every holiday like skating or collage making etc. This time my eldest (7) learnt to knit and the youngest (5) did sewing. If it is something they've thought of themselves they've more chance of sticking to it!!!

Answer 4

Incentives.
Work with them to set realistic goal and give them rewards as they achive them. As they are working towards achiveing their goal give them encouragement and reinforce the reward they will get once achived.
It should be a give and take game. We all work to recieve a pay check at the end of the month that is our incentive, our goal and targets are set in our job descriptions, the same should apply to your children.

Good Luck

Answer 5

First, do your children want to set goals? If they do not then you cannot force this upon them Also, children learn most from watching what their parents do--so be a good role model for them. Let them know some goals you have set and when you have achieved them let them know how good it made you feel. If they deisre to set goals--make them realistic and measureable. Gently encourage them.

Answer 6

Maybe if you all set a goal, and tell them once all of you have reach it, we will all go out to dinner of their choice. Or something that will make them want to reach their goal. Motavation.

Answer 7

Bribary...

Not nec money wise but say Do A, And you get B... B could be trip somewhere.


But something you are prepared to give and you need to be able to keep the deal.

Or reverse psychology... ie girls cant do that...so they want to prove you wrong and go f u?

Answer 8

try simple and fun stuff together....make your kids love what they do and always have a great award after the goal is reached to keep incentive high

Answer 9

Yes, but keep in mind children are children and it is very hard for children to keep thier promises.!.

Answer 10

ah just leave them be , they arent children for long, goals and targets are for adults !!