Helping Kids Set Achievable Goals This School Year

A new school year is the perfect time to help children set goals—small, meaningful targets that give them direction, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. Teaching kids how to set achievable goals also helps them develop important life skills like planning, perseverance, and self-reflection.

Here’s how to guide your child through goal-setting in a way that feels encouraging, not overwhelming.

1. Start Small and Specific

Big goals can be exciting, but they can also feel impossible for kids. Encourage them to choose small, specific goals they can reach in a week or month. For example:

• “I will read one new book this month.”

• “I will pack my backpack the night before school.”

• “I will practice my multiplication tables for 10 minutes each day.”

  
  

Small wins build confidence and motivate children to tackle bigger goals over time.

2. Focus on Effort, Not Just Outcomes

It’s easy to celebrate only the end result, like a high grade or winning a game. But kids learn best when they are praised for their effort and persistence. Try comments like:

• “I love how hard you worked on that project.”

•  “You kept trying even when it was tricky—great job!”

  
  

This helps children understand that success comes from consistent effort, not just natural talent.

3. Write Goals Down and Display Them

Visual reminders make goals more tangible. Encourage your child to write their goals on paper, a whiteboard, or even a fun chart. Place it somewhere visible—like on the fridge or near their study space. Seeing their progress every day keeps motivation high and makes accomplishments feel real.

4. Break Goals Into Steps

A big goal can feel overwhelming, so help your child break it into manageable steps. For instance, if the goal is “read one book,” steps could include:

1. Choose a book together.

2. Read 5 pages each day.

3. Talk about the story each week.

   
   

Celebrating each step along the way makes the process rewarding and less stressful.

5. Reflect and Adjust Together

Goals aren’t set in stone. Encourage your child to reflect on their progress regularly. Ask questions like:

• “What’s going well?”

• “What’s tricky?”

• “Do we need to adjust anything?”

  
  

This helps children learn flexibility and self-awareness—skills that are just as important as achieving the goal itself.