Parents play a critical role in their child's success. These seven tips from http://www.goalsettingforstudents.com explain how to help your child set and achieve goals for the new school year.
1. Set 30, 60 and 90-day goals - with your child. What's most important for the first 30 days? Ask your child what they plan to accomplish and help them make a plan to get there. Creating a regular routine with time for homework, chores, outside activities and free time is critical. Help your child tweak their schedule for the best way to spend their time. At the end of the first 30 days, review what worked and what didn't, and then discuss the 60 and 90-day goals.
2. Write it down. Don't just talk about goals. Have your child write them down. The act of writing down goals reinforces the message. According to John Bishop, author of the workbook, Goal Setting for Students?, "There are two great benefits to writing down goals. First, it is implanting in their minds a gentle, yet important, message that they are responsible for their day. Secondly, this exercise teaches them that they cannot simply blame others for their lack of effort."
3. Watch your language. How do you talk about school with your child? Do you praise their teachers and tell your child they can do it? Or do you complain about how hard it is and that the teacher is expecting too much? Avoid "bummer words" like no, can't, won't, never, maybe, and if. Focus on motivating words like yes, can and will.
4. Avoid excuses. Teach your child the importance of taking responsibility and minimizing excuses. Help them create a plan for big projects, breaking them down into manageable pieces with deadlines for each piece. Avoid a last-minute crisis by planning ahead and having supplies on hand. Bishop says, "Don't find fault. Find a solution."
5. Set up rewards that fit your family. As a family, discuss the best ways to recognize your successes. Be sure to recognize effort not just results. Want to encourage reading? Create a reading log, and go bowling or go for ice cream once you've reached a certain amount of reading time. Mini-rewards for regular effort can often be more effective than one large reward for the entire school year.
6. Model goal-setting. What are your goals for the next month and the remainder of the year? Track them - and show your child how you do it. Discuss with them where you are and what obstacles you have overcome. This discussion can easily lead into their goals as a student.
7. Eat together. Take time to sit down together as a family, and give each member the opportunity to talk about what's working and what's not working. Strategize solutions - with the TV turned off. A common reason families don't eat dinner together is conflicting schedules so if the dinner hour doesn't work for you, consider a family breakfast. Even checking in for 15 minutes over cereal can provide a much-needed time to connect.
With a few simple steps, parents can get their children off to a good start for the school year ahead.
Accent On Success? is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping students achieve success in the classroom and in life. For more information on the Goal Setting for Students? workbook, which gives students a roadmap for success, visit http://www.goalsettingforstudents.com.
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More
Elana, born in Russia, was told "We really don't know... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More
All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
It's the first day of the summer holiday. Five year-old... Read More
You're trying to catch up on some sleep on a... Read More
Why Me?"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should... Read More
This is the third and final article in a series... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
You may remember The Red Couch Project, a book by... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
Imagine a child who lacks ownership of his own life,... Read More
For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
Levels of SafetyBy teaching our children there are different levels... Read More
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
The popularity of EEG Biofeedback Training continues to grow both... Read More
Demanding children ? children who have entitlement issues ? seem... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
cleaning lady near Deerfield ..Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
For every season, check, check, check, There is a chart,... Read More
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
Levels of SafetyBy teaching our children there are different levels... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More
When it comes to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity... Read More
In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
Did you know that the school system is only able... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
Public education in the United States has never been equal... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
Research has shown that the present generation of children worldwide... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
Picture this. Your child comes home with a special assignment... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
In today's mental health system there is a pattern of... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
Despite serious reductions in funding for arts programs in... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
Parenting |