Works In Progress

We are all works in progress, parents and kids alike! It is easy in the new year to set goals that we never meet. I know I have done this before myself. When I started to ask myself real questions about what I was passionate about and keep my goals manageable myself I was able to teach my kids how to do the same.

Set one goal that excites you!

No one wants to pursue a goal that is a drag! Find the one thing that excites you and your child and try to align them. If the goal is to gain confidence in reading, make the same goal with your child. If they need to read more then you need to read more. Instead of making a goal of reading for seven days a week set a goal for four days a week. If it’s attainable then you are more likely to accomplish the goal.

Celebrate goal success!

Create a chart and post it! Put it in a place where you and your child will see it. If the goal is to read more list the books you and your child have read. Set a plan that after 3 books are read then you will go on a date with your child and do something fun. Make the prize an activity versus something you buy. That way you cultivate lasting memories that don’t involve something material.

Give back to someone else!

That’s right set a goal to serve and teach your child to do the same! Volunteer at church in a special needs class or a preschool class. Serve lunch to those in need or drop off canned goods to a food pantry. Whatever brings you and your child together is the best thing to put your time into. When our children see that the world is not all about them, and it’s about helping others they will be happier and enabling them to achieve their own goals.