As a family, we decided to run a 5K together this spring. My girls are super excited, but I had to remind them to set a few goals as they train for our big race. Your kids might have big goals, too, in the classroom, on the sports field, or in other areas of life. We can use 10 tips to help our kids set and achieve manageable goals.
1. Let Kids Choose Goals That Matter to Them
I totally support my girls’ decision to live a healthier lifestyle this year, but running the 5K wasn’t my idea. My girls decided it would be a good way for us to bond, and they wanted to challenge themselves. Because they picked a goal that matters to them instead of going with my agenda, they’re more likely to follow through and succeed.
3. Stretch Your Kids a Bit …show more content…
I challenged my girls to specify when, where, and for how long they’ll train each week, and we signed up for a local 5K so we know when we have to be ready. These details improve our chances for success.
7. Chart Progress
Every worthwhile goal includes a progress chart that allows us to see how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. We use a whiteboard, but a spreadsheet, pie chart, and other tools help our children track their progress, celebrate triumphs, and stay motivated while pursuing their goals.
8. Agree on Checkpoints
I definitely don’t want to nag my girls about training, but they know that I’ll check in regularly to see how they’re doing. We will talk about their triumphs and areas in which they want to do better, and then we can readjust their goals as needed.
9. Prepare to Readjust Goals
I totally believe that my girls can succeed in training for the 5K, and I also know that life sometimes gets in the way of our best intentions. For instance, how will they handle busy weeks when they don’t have time to train, and what happens if they suffer an injury that prevents them from running? Without discouraging them, I remind my girls that it’s okay to be flexible and allow for real life as they stay motivated to continue their forward momentum.
10. Model Realistic
1. Let Kids Choose Goals That Matter to Them
I totally support my girls’ decision to live a healthier lifestyle this year, but running the 5K wasn’t my idea. My girls decided it would be a good way for us to bond, and they wanted to challenge themselves. Because they picked a goal that matters to them instead of going with my agenda, they’re more likely to follow through and succeed.
3. Stretch Your Kids a Bit …show more content…
I challenged my girls to specify when, where, and for how long they’ll train each week, and we signed up for a local 5K so we know when we have to be ready. These details improve our chances for success.
7. Chart Progress
Every worthwhile goal includes a progress chart that allows us to see how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. We use a whiteboard, but a spreadsheet, pie chart, and other tools help our children track their progress, celebrate triumphs, and stay motivated while pursuing their goals.
8. Agree on Checkpoints
I definitely don’t want to nag my girls about training, but they know that I’ll check in regularly to see how they’re doing. We will talk about their triumphs and areas in which they want to do better, and then we can readjust their goals as needed.
9. Prepare to Readjust Goals
I totally believe that my girls can succeed in training for the 5K, and I also know that life sometimes gets in the way of our best intentions. For instance, how will they handle busy weeks when they don’t have time to train, and what happens if they suffer an injury that prevents them from running? Without discouraging them, I remind my girls that it’s okay to be flexible and allow for real life as they stay motivated to continue their forward momentum.
10. Model Realistic