As we embark on the journey of a new year, the promise of positive change often accompanies our resolutions. Surprisingly, research reveals that 23% of people abandon their New Year's resolutions within the first week!
Have you set any goals yet? It's never too late!
If your resolution involves fostering mindfulness and supporting children's mental health, this guide is crafted to help you maintain the momentum needed for lasting transformation.
Setting goals for children is a wonderful way to teach them valuable life skills and foster a sense of responsibility. Here are three tips for effective New Year's goal setting specifically tailored for children:
1. Encourage Reflective Thinking:
Start the goal-setting process by encouraging children to reflect on the past year. Ask them about their favourite moments, challenges they faced, and what they learned. This reflection helps them gain self-awareness and identify areas where they may want to improve or try new things in the coming year. Make it a positive and engaging conversation that sets the stage for setting constructive goals.
You can download the Stix Mindfulness 2024 Goal Worksheet below to help structure the exercise!
2. Create Fun and Age-Appropriate SMART Goals:
Your children are children, they don't care about SMART goals... therefore it's important that you introduce the concept of SMART goals in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for them.
Help them create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of a broad goal like "I want to read more", a SMART goal could be "I want to read one new book each month." Tailor the goals to their interests and abilities, making the process exciting and rewarding.
Consider creating a visual chart or poster to track their progress, turning it into a fun and interactive experience!
3. Break Down Goals into Achievable Steps:
Children may find it challenging to grasp the concept of long-term goals, so break them down into smaller, more manageable steps.
Help them create a plan with actionable tasks that contribute to the larger goal. For instance, if their goal is to improve their drawing skills, break it down into weekly tasks like "practice drawing for 15 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday." Celebrate their achievements along the way, reinforcing the idea that effort and perseverance lead to success.
It’s important that your children get involved in the process of goal-setting, allowing them to have a say in the goals they want to pursue. This will promote a sense of ownership and achievement. However, it’s crucial to emphasise that while goal-setting is a valuable skill, it's equally important not to place undue pressure on children. The primary objective is to foster a positive and supportive environment that encourages growth, learning, and exploration. Remember, the most important aspect is for children to enjoy the process and feel empowered by their achievements, no matter how big or small.
By making goal setting a positive and engaging experience, you're laying the foundation for a lifelong habit of self-improvement and resilience in children.
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