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If you’re a Type A parent like me, you probably have one or two goals you really try to focus on with your kids. For me, it’s teaching responsibility, independence, and follow-through—right alongside the daily reminder to pick up after themselves. And yes, some days I sound like a broken record. But that’s parenting.
Instead of constantly reminding my kids what they should be doing, I started focusing on something more powerful: teaching them how to set their own goals. My hope is that one day, they’ll know how to set goals and follow through—without mom having to push.
The truth is, fewer than 10% of people actually finish the goals they set. That’s exactly why goal setting for kids matters. When we teach our children how to set realistic, meaningful goals early on, we give them skills they’ll use for life.
We talk a lot about goals as adults, but here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Less than 10% of people actually follow through on the goals they set.
If grown adults struggle this much, it’s no surprise kids do too.
Most traditional goal-setting approaches fail kids because they:
I didn’t want my kids to simply comply.
I wanted them to learn how to set goals and follow through—on their own.
Goal setting isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about building confidence and independence. Here’s why it works so well for kids:
What finally changed everything was teaching my kids how to set SMART goals—but in a way that felt age-appropriate, visual, and empowering.
The SMART goals framework isn’t new. It was first introduced in 1981 by George T. Doran, a management consultant who wrote about the need for clearer, more effective goal setting in business and performance management. His goal was simple: help people move away from vague intentions and toward goals that were clear, measurable, and achievable.
What did I realize?
If SMART goals work for adults trying to manage careers and teams, they can work incredibly well for kids—when adapted correctly.
This framework gave my kids something most systems didn’t: ownership.
SMART goals gave them:
And for me?
Less nagging. More peace.
Start small. Choose up to three goals to work on during a quarter (like Q1), or for the year if that feels right. The key is being realistic—especially with kids.
Help your kids set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This keeps goals clear and attainable.
Have your kids write their goals and place them somewhere visible—on the fridge, a wall, or a goal board.
Break each goal into small, actionable steps so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Set a clear timeline so kids know when they’re working toward completion.
Teach consistency over perfection. Small daily actions matter more than big, one-time efforts.
Check in weekly or bi-weekly to talk about what’s working and what’s not.
Use charts, stickers, or checklists—kids love seeing progress in real time.
At the end of the cycle, sit down together to review goals, celebrate wins, and adjust what didn’t work.
When done right, goal setting for kids:
It shifts the question from:
“Did you do what I told you?”
to:
**“How are *you
These FAQs answer common questions about goal setting for kids, including when to start, how many goals to set, and how to help kids follow through—without pressure or perfection
Goal setting for kids is the process of helping children identify clear, achievable goals and teaching them how to work toward those goals through planning, consistency, and reflection. It builds responsibility, focus, and confidence from an early age.
Goal setting helps kids learn independence, time management, and self-discipline. It shows them that their actions matter and gives them a sense of purpose, motivation, and accomplishment.
Kids can start learning basic goal-setting skills as early as preschool with simple, short-term goals. As they grow, goals can become more structured and longer-term, especially in elementary and tween years.
Most kids do best with one to three goals at a time. Keeping the number small helps them stay focused and prevents overwhelm.
SMART goals for kids are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps children understand exactly what they are working toward and how to track progress.
Kids are more motivated when goals are broken into small steps, progress is tracked visually, and achievements are celebrated. Rewards, encouragement, and regular check-ins also help maintain motivation.
Parents can track progress using charts, stickers, checklists, or simple goal boards. Visual tracking helps kids see their progress and stay engaged.
Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins work well for most families. Regular reviews help adjust goals, celebrate wins, and teach reflection without pressure.
Not meeting a goal is part of the learning process. Use it as an opportunity to reflect, adjust expectations, and reinforce that progress matters more than perfection.
Yes. Teaching goal setting helps kids learn accountability and decision-making skills, making them more confident and independent over time.
Goal setting for kids doesn’t have to be complicated—or stressful. When we guide our children with structure, encouragement, and flexibility, we’re not just helping them reach goals—we’re teaching them how to believe in themselves. And that’s a lesson that lasts far beyond childhood.
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