If you have teenagers, this would be a good time to take a look at the first two marking periods, evaluate and assess their progress, and make some New Year’s Resolutions. This is not the time or place to be judgmental. This is the time to build a team where you are on their side, facing the challenge together. It’s time to make
SMART Goals for the New Year
Tell your kids to envision June and how they want to feel going into exams. Make two specific goals whose outcome can be measured. These goals must be realistic for the six-month time frame of what’s left in the school year. Cook up an appropriate reward for achieving the goals. Your student now has someone to be accountable to.
Now, it’s your turn. Share a goal with your teen you would like to achieve by June. That makes you accountable, too. Come up with an appropriate reward for your achievement. Then create a reward the two of you can share when you both reach your goals. Teamwork!
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
S = Specific Goals (YES: “I want to add one inch to my vertical jump by the end of track season.” NO: “I want to be a better jumper.”)
M = Measurable Goals (YES: “I want to do 25 full body pushups by the end of six months.” NO: “I want to get in shape so I’m going to go to the gym.”)
A = Accountable Goals (YES: “I will check-in on the first of every month with my teen to share my progress.” NO: “I will set my goals privately so I won’t be embarrassed if I don’t reach them.”)
R = Realistic Goals (YES: “I want to get a C average for science by the end of the year, even though I failed the first quarter, by staying after school every week for extra help, and showing my parents monthly progress reports from the teacher.” NO: “I want to get an A average for science by the end of the year even though I failed the first quarter.”)
T = Timely Goals (YES: “I want to lose five pounds a month between now and June by exercising four times a week and increasing my green veggies intake to four cups a day.” NO: “I want to lose 50 pounds by Valentine’s Day.”)
Schedule monthly check-ins with your teens on the first of the month for the next six months. Your teens will be accountable to you, and you will be accountable to your teens. If either of you fall short of your goal at these check-ins, FORGIVE YOURSELVES, renew your goals, and continue. (Guilt is a complete waste of time and an unnecessary drainer of energy.) Going through this together puts you and your teen on the same side as you attempt to create changes in your lives.
This will be a time-consuming process for you during the next six months, but it will be well worth it. What’s your S.M.A.R.T. Goal for June? I’ll go first.
I will have my next book ready to be published by June, including completing it, editing, cover design and formatting.
Whew< It’s unexpectedly scary for me to put this goal out there like this.
Now it’s your turn…
