Goal Setting For Kids – Simple SMART Goal Tips

Inside: Smart and simple goal setting for kids ideas and how to write SMART goals for kids. Fun goal-setting kit for kids and free SMART goal templates.

Imagine a world where kids have a secret superpower – the ability to tackle life’s challenges like fearless champions.

Nope, it’s not a plot twist from a superhero movie; it’s the real deal, and it’s called “goal setting.”

Okay, grown-ups, we know all about the magic of goals. We use them to keep our homes shipshape (or at least try to), plan epic family adventures, organize better than a squirrel hiding acorns, ditch screen time addiction, and attempt to prioritize daily workouts (or at least think about it).

Whether they’re short-term or long-term, goals are like our guiding stars, leading us toward getting stuff done and feeling accomplished.

But here’s the kicker – kids can tap into this superpower, too!

Yup, we can teach our little champs the art of setting and smashing their own goals.

It’s like giving kids action steps that make them better at organizing, handling money, and ready to take on all the adventures life will throw at them.

I’m excited to dive into the goal-setting process for kids. We’ll reveal how it sparks their awesomeness and sends them on a path to success (one goal at a time!).🚀

Why Goal Setting Matters for Kids: Unleashing Their Full Potential with SMART Goals

Imagine a world where your child isn’t just growing but thriving.

Picture them trying hard at school, joining a sports team, and saving their money for something special. It’s not a crazy dream; it’s the power of goal-setting!

But here’s the thing:

And guess what? 

There’s a method to this goal-setting madness, complete with research-based steps that are backed by smart grown-ups in lab coats.

There’s a good chance you’ve heard the term SMART goals before. These aren’t just smart; they’re genius.

At first glance, goal-setting might seem easy-peasy, but the real magic lies in setting goals that actually work.

And this is where kids and adults can learn the magical goal-setting steps.

**Five SMART simple steps to success.**

The best goals (SMART goals) are doable (not far-fetched), meaningful goals, complete with an action plan!

And with a bit of hard work, you can totally nail them.

 “A goal without a plan is just a wish,” Renowned by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

You might have heard of SMART goals before.

Each letter in SMART has a job, and together, they make goal-setting a breeze for your kid.

SMART Goals for Elementary Kids

In the world of goal-setting for kids and students, SMART goals become their trusty sidekicks.

Each letter in SMART has a special mission: to help your child set appropriate goals to reach the finish line in a fun way.

Choose from any three of these SMART goal templates. Just click the button or picture to instantly download.

The Benefits of Goal Setting for Kids

Remember, goal setting isn’t just for grown-ups; it’s a superpower that kids can totally rock, too.

And oh boy, it works wonders! Let’s dive into a few awesome benefits that make goal-setting a must-do for your little heroes.

1. Provide Direction: Setting goals gives your child a target to aim for. It’s like giving them a treasure map to follow and a goal as the shiny “X” marks the spot.
2. Focus and Decision-Making: Goals help your child focus on what’s important instead of choosing random tasks. It’s like giving them a laser beam of determination.
3. Control: Setting goals lets your child be the boss of their future. They get to decide what they’re working toward and what their awesome future will look like when they nail those goals.

5 Goal-Setting Activities for Kids and Growth Mindset Ideas

So, you’re up for a goal-setting adventure with your child, huh?

Brace yourselves; it’s going to be a blast!

There are tons of goal-setting activities for kids to choose from, but here’s the scoop: we’re all about making goal-setting for kids interactive and, dare we say, fun!

Why not turn this into an exciting journey that you and your child can enjoy together?

Goal Setting Read Alouds 

If your child is young and you both enjoy bedtime stories, or if your child simply likes being read to, here’s something cool: Reading books out loud can be a great way to learn about setting goals.

There are lots of awesome books that show how setting goals is something real and doable. Let me share some of my favorite ones with you!

After that, she starts knocking on her neighbor’s doors, looking for some yard work.

She soon forms a friendship with a kind old lady and finally gets enough for the bicycle.

But what happens next is completely unexpected.

Teaching kids that you can always get back up if you fall, and the sky’s the limit when you don’t give up!

This book helps children have the confidence to pursue their dreams.

2. Get Brainy About It:

Let’s talk brains, baby!

To help younger children understand a growth mindset better, you can show them how brains change and stretch as they learn and try new stuff.

For the older ones, go deeper into brain territory. Talk about how our brains have billions (yes, billions!) of tiny neurons, and when they learn or try something new, the brain grows more connections among those neurons. If you’re feeling scholarly, dive into a brainy article like this one.

You could even read Your Fantastic Elastic Brain! 

Use a laminated picture of the brain and label the different parts (grab our brain poster here in our Growth Mindset Kit), or use Play-Doh and have your child create a brain using the color-coded picture.

When they are done, they could even label each part using Post-it flags and toothpicks!

3. Use a Goal Setting Kit:

You could use vision boards, a SMART Goal Poster (hey, we have three SMART Goal posters above to download completely free!), or a fun Goal Setting Kit to walk you through the entire process.

These worksheets and lessons help younger children and older children break down their goals into small steps.

New Year’s resolutions are also a great time to set a new big goal.

I absolutely adore guiding kids through brainstorming their goal ideas, creating their very own bucket lists, and using worksheets that work like magic to transform their negative thoughts into positive ones.

There are countless fantastic ways to get kids’ imaginations spinning, and sometimes, all just need a little nudge. 🌟

4. Growth Mindset Activity Journal

Now, this is the good stuff. We’re talking about a growth mindset journal that’ll help your child keep track of their goals, progress, setbacks, and everything in between.

You see, I’m pretty passionate about this because kids are often underestimated in things like goal setting and having a growth mindset. That’s why I created the Amazing Me: Growth Mindset Journal.

It’s not your run-of-the-mill journal; it’s an adventure in self-discovery. Your little explorers get to become special agents, embarking on ten personal growth missions. They’ll explore dreams and goals, handle those big feelings, build healthy habits, boost their confidence, and so much more.

5. Daily Positive Affirmations 

We can’t forget about daily positive affirmations.

These little gems can be game-changers. Negativity might try to sneak in, but we’re not having any of that.

Instead of letting negative thoughts take over, help your child rewire their brain by turning those negatives into positives. Daily affirmations will do wonders for their self-awareness, confidence, and overall mood. It’s like giving their brain a daily dose of positivity.

What a way to boost motivation, and SO perfect for the whole family!

Final Thoughts on Goal Setting For Kids:

Whether you’re crafting a vision board together, having a chit-chat about setting SMART goals or simply discussing your child’s aspirations for the upcoming week, month, or year, remember this: Goal setting for kids is an essential skill to a bright and successful future!

So, go on, be their trusty guide on this exciting journey. Help them stretch their minds, persevere, chase those dreams, and become the champions they were born to be. 🌟