Setting Goals for 2020

With 2020 just days away, now is the perfect time for your student to reflect on 2019 and think about their goals for the new year.  This doesn’t have to be just about school or college preparation, but can be more of an overarching reflection and can help them to find themselves.  Where do they see themselves in a year? What about three years from now?

Adolescence is already a time for growth and change.  Teenagers are transforming sometimes by the day, but this is still an important time of year to embrace that change.  The new year is a great opportunity to start fresh, set new goals, and look forward to the future.

Everyone (including us!) can benefit from setting goals and resolutions for the future.  Whether it’s a goal of making the varsity basketball team, trying a new hobby, or scoring higher on their next ACT, having a growth mindset and manifesting dreams help us to develop as people.  Always aspiring to be better and to grow are positive characteristics and worth encouraging!

So how can parents help their students with these goals and resolutions?

Share

First, at a very basic level, start a conversation about reflection over the last year and growth for the new year.  Share your goals and ideas for growth for 2020 and ask your child what plans they have. This might look as intricate as a family activity, like a vision board, or something as simple as a quick conversation while cooking dinner.  Allowing yourself to be open to growth and sharing that openness with your teenager goes further than you think!

Acknowledge

Recognize their achievements thus far and celebrate their strengths and victories.  Whether it’s acknowledging improvements in grades, getting a hold on their anxiety, or reaching a new goal, it’s important to reflect and consider all of the growth your child has already experienced over the last few years.

Encourage

Remind your child that no matter what 2020 brings, you’ll be there for them.  Encourage them to do their best - with school, their hobbies, their interests, their social life - and that’s it.  When they share their goals (being accepted to a certain college or learning how to play chess, for example), don’t forget to let them know that you believe in them.  These simple words and knowing they have a cheerleader under their roof is crucial for them to work towards those goals.

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Remember that each year is a time for self-reflection and room for growth in all aspects of our lives.  Sharing this with your teens opens up a helpful dialogue and should get their gears turning on where they see themselves in the future.

Have a safe and very happy New Year!