Summer 2024 is drawing to a close quicker than most people might realize. It’s now the moment for children and parents alike to transition back into the rhythm of a new school year. This means revisiting old routines, enhancing them where needed, and introducing new ones as well. The experts from Parents.com offer valuable suggestions on how to incorporate goal-setting into the upcoming year. Here’s how parents can help children in setting goals for the 2024-2025 school year.

First, define what the word “goal” means to you.

As a parents, it is imperative that children understand exactly what we are suggesting for them to accomplish. Make sure that you and your children know what the word “goal” means to you. If they are unclear of the expectation, then goal-setting at this point would be somewhat moot.

“Start by explaining the concept: A goal is something that a person wants to achieve,” the expert Amanda Morin suggests. “Sports can offer a helpful analogy. Your child may know that in soccer, a goal is when a player gets the ball into the net, so that can be a good place to begin the explanation. Let your child know that when a player gets a goal, it’s the result of a lot of hard work.”

Teach children the language of goal-setting.

To help your child develop strong goal-setting skills for the new school year, it is important that as a parent you use goal-setting language.

“Make sure your child knows how to work toward a goal, including how to strategize, organize, and prioritize. Discuss short- and long-term goals and the value of chunking their goal into smaller pieces. Knowing how to talk about their goals is key in getting kids to understand their goals—and what it may take to achieve them,” Morin suggests.

“The language of goal-setting can often be broken down into the following formula: I want to [goal] by [date]. I already know how to [related skills]. I will follow [these specific steps] to achieve my goal.“

Exercise your parental listening-skills.

“The purpose of the goal-setting exercise is for your child to decide what they hope to achieve—not for them to go along with the goals you suggest. You can give examples and make suggestions, but don’t take over the discussion.”

So, in other words, this is the time to fine-tune those parental listening-skills. You may find out that your child already has an excellent plan and all that you need to do is help them fine-tune things along the way.

Brainstorm.

Brainstorming can not only be helpful when trying to help your child set goals for not only the upcoming school year, but beyond, it can be a fun exercise as well. As a the parent in this situation, you can “Be a sounding board and ask questions to help your child discover and refine goals that resonate with them.”

Develop a plan and create visuals to help them remember the goals.

“Once your child has nailed down their goal, guide them through the process of planning how to achieve it,” Morin says. “Share that simply setting their intention can put them on the right path. Consider what assistance, if any, they will need. They should think about what steps they’ll go through as they strive toward making their goal a reality.”

Once you have developed your plan, make a vision board, journal, schedule, or a to-do list and post it somewhere where it can be seen daily as a visual reminder of what they have set out to accomplish.

CELEBRATE both progress and success!

“Help your child keep track of their progress. Periodically, look at the goal ladder with them and mark off any steps they’ve accomplished. Celebrate successes as they happen, but also be prepared for obstacles. Praise effort and learning as much as tangible achievement.”

If they are running into obstacles and setbacks, first let them know that it is okay and that setbacks happen. Help them regroup, refocus, and move forward with their momentum towards success.

These goal-setting tips aren’t only for children. They are most definitely things that mom and dad can utilize for themselves as well. Remember, there is nothing greater than practicing what you are preaching.