Setting "Back to School" Goals

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School has finally started! Parents and children are getting ready for a new school year. September can be a time of anxiety for both parents and children. By spending a bit of time with our children thinking about goals and opportunities, we can ease settling in and get everyone excited for the year of growth and learning that lies ahead. Here are four types of goals you can set with your children, and make similar goals for yourself!

• Learning goal:What is one area of study or one skill you want to improve this year? How can you accomplish this, and how can your parents and teachers help?
• Habit goal:What is one habit that will make you a better student, and how can you work on this? What can your parents and teachers do to support this goal?
• Friendship goal:What is one way that you can be a better friend? Can you be more helpful, better at listening, or open to other people’s ideas?
• Home goal:What are some responsibilities that you can take on at home to help the days run more smoothly? Can you help make meals, pick up after yourself or play games with younger siblings?

In addition to setting these goals, parents are encouraged to have conversations about the opportunities that each goal presents. Being more kind and open with friends will mean that your child makes new friends easily. Taking on more responsibility at home will mean the family enjoys more quality time together. Working hard as a student, even in areas that are challenging, will bring progress, confidence and moments of joy in learning.

Most importantly, having these conversations early in the year opens the door for an open dialogue throughout the school year about what is going well and how your family can work together to face challenges. To help with accountability and to check in on your goals, set aside time for a regular family meeting.