This year I decided to encourage my kids to make a Wishing Wall for the New Year. We focused on wishes and goals that each of them would like to try and accomplish. This is not a “to-do” list, but rather inspiration to try new things, become a better person, and grow in several areas of life.
This article is written by Karissa Tunis
For more on this topic, check out the full New Year New Goals collection
Goal Setting
The start of a new year has many of us thinking about changes, new routines, and setting new goals. Some of us enjoy making New Year’s Resolutions, and challenging ourselves to stick to it for as long as possible. And then there are others of us that simply continue on with life just like every other month. But no matter which side of the New Year’s Ball you are on, consider using this time to teach your children about setting goals. It does not need to be New Year’s Resolution specific, but it is always beneficial to set general (or big) goals and work towards them.
Helping Your Child Set New Goals
If your child receives an allowance, maybe they want to decide on a bigger purchase and work towards that. All of a sudden taking out the trash becomes more tolerable if they know it is getting them closer to being able to purchase that new bicycle.
Or maybe you reward for good grades…. Now doing that homework and studying for that test just became more of a priority to them.
Perhaps your child really wants to score a goal at their next soccer game. Suddenly practice and running drills seems like a great idea, and you find them giving more of an effort. But whatever their interests, it’s helpful to set goals and find that motivation in order to accomplish what it is that they set their minds to do.
Hopefully this will also help them later on in life to be more responsible in college, secure a decent job, and work hard to provide for themselves.
But with all of that said, it is also important to teach our children how to set realistic goals. Sure dreams are fabulous, and everyone should have them; but if you do not also incorporate realistic plans, then you may find yourself getting discouraged. There are enough people challenging our children, so let’s help them learn the healthy balance when it comes to goal setting, dream building, and making future plans.
Create a New Year Wishing Wall
This year I decided to encourage my kids to make a Wishing Wall for the New Year. We focused on wishes and goals that each of them would like to try and accomplish. This is not a “to-do” list, but rather inspiration to try new things, become a better person, and grow in several areas of life.
It’s also a great way to introduce to young children what it means to set a goal and work towards it. And goals can range from small to big. From practical to dreams. And from free to having great value. Some can be achieved quickly, while others might take years.
They can be general like “not getting so mad at your siblings” to more specific like “reading a new and challenging chapter book”. Something easy and free like “holding doors for people with a smile” to something that requires saving money and planning such as “visiting a new city”.
All you need are some post-it notes, a few markers, a little guidance, and you can turn any wall, door, or closet into a Wishing Wall.
Steps to Create Your Own Wishing Wall:
- Purchase a pack of post-it notes in any color(s).
- Grab a couple of markers, and get started!
- Put one goal on one sticky note and stick it to the wall/door/vision board/ etc.
- Consider making rows – maybe categorize from easy to hard. Or from achievable quickly, to inspirations that might take much longer.
Happy Wishing!
For more on this topic, check out the full New Year New Goals collection
