Teach Your Teen to Set Goals - Two Minute Tip #22

Hi – Sue Blaney here with your Parenting Tip from Parenting Teens Info.com

My tip this week is
Teach your teen to set goals. >>Listen

Don’t you think September feels more like the start of a new year than January 1, in some ways? A brand new school year lays in front of you full of opportunity; your kids have new teachers, new schedules and new possibilities. This is a great time to encourage your teenager to think about what she wants to accomplish in the new school year, and to set some goals.

Have a conversation with your teenager about the opportunities that are in front of him; encourage him to think about how he wants to behave, how he wants to spend his time, and what new skills he’d like to develop. It may be helpful to give him some examples of your goals for the new year… maybe you have a goal of helping out in the school library or volunteering at your senior center. Show your teen that there is value in setting a course and an intention for what you want to achieve, because to reach your destination you must know where you want to go.

While good grades are sure to be on a list of goals for the new school year, for this exercise let’s take academics out of the equation. Let your teen know that you know that school entails a whole lot more than just grades. Encourage her to try out a new activity, expand her group of friends or gain some leadership experience. Guide him to come up with concrete goals so he can be focused on them and put the necessary steps into action. Ask how you can help support him in achieving his goals. He may or may not want your support, but let him know you are willing to help if he wants it, and if so, design a way to provide the support without taking over a leadership role. He needs to retain the ownership for this process.  

Then step out of the way! Let your teenager know that she doesn’t need to report to you about her success or status unless she wants to… this endeavor is all about her goals, her focus and her achievement. It’s important for your teenager to feel the sense of responsibility for herself and to hold herself accountable.

Good luck to you all in the new school year!

Thanks for subscribing to my Two-Minute Tips for Parenting
Teens…….

Til next time…I'm Sue Blaney.