The beginning of the school year elicits sighs of nostalgia from many parents. Clean, bright notebooks, sharpened pencils and new clothes all signify the onset of an exciting unknown – the time to launch a fresh start. Before school begins is the perfect time to solidify goals for the upcoming academic year for both parents and children. Here are a few step-by-step instructions to help your child buy into the concept of goal setting and establish specific, manageable objectives:

1. Start Positive: It is helpful to review strengths and weaknesses from the most recent school year. Everyone likes praise; therefore beginning the process of goal setting with a recognition and reinforcement of the student’s accomplishments will set a cheerful tone. For example, “Last year you did such an excellent job of organizing the papers in your binder. If you keep up the good work this year, I won’t have to check your backpack every night.”
2. Think Small: Help your child practice dividing lofty, long term goals into individual steps. If your student states, “I want to get all “A’s” this year, “you might respond with “What specific actions can you take to improve your grades?” Setting a goal of documenting all assignments and working on homework … To read more, please subscribe to receive our monthly tips via email here: info@thinkingorganized.com.