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.
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More
Q. With the school year just beginning, what can we... Read More
"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God, and... Read More
Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell... Read More
My kids just can't get enough of playing games with... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed being a parent? Do you want... Read More
Now I know that is not how the song goes,... Read More
There is no doubt that the benefits of being a... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
'Picky Eater' is a label coined to describe the phenomenon... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More
Are you glad for the chance to put your child... Read More
Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
I remember when my daughter was born. Visions of her... Read More
If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
Here are ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Parents want their children to succeed in school. However, sometimes... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
"To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)2. Wipes3.... Read More
The key to lifelong learning is reading and writing. When... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
When you talk about multiply your child's intelligence, you can't... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
Karen, a single never-married thirty-year old attorney has a four-year... Read More
Parenting |