As parents, it’s important to understand the role of goal-setting within your child’s academic career. While we often associate goals with sports and athletic competitions, goals are an important aspect of your child’s overall achievement in life. Use the following steps to establish school-related goals with your child, and don’t forget to revisit the topic throughout the school year.
- Sit down with your child and discuss their current grades, progress in school, and academic challenges.
- Discuss your child’s ideal outcome for the semester and school year.
- Establish the necessary steps that your child will need to take to accomplish his or her academic goals.
- Create a list of short-term goals that will contribute to success. (e.g. complete all homework assignments for the week and turn them in on time)
- Create a list of long-term goals that will contribute to success. (e.g. improve semester grades to all A’s and B’s; achieve all A’s on quizzes and tests in English)
- If desirable, use an incentive program that will reward your child if he or she achieves both long-term goals and short-term goals.
- It may be helpful to create a visual aid that tracks your child’s progress, such as a chart or a spreadsheet.
- Once your child has accomplished his or her goals, continue to reinforce the positive behavior and provide encouragement and support for your child.
It is important to have a goal to work towards, but make sure that the goals are not too overwhelming for your child. Establish both short-term and long-term goals so that your child’s small steps will lead to achievement of long-term goals and academic success.
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