Setting goals is an extremely important issue for children and adolescents as well as adults. Children who know what they want become self-confident and successful adults of the future. Psychologist from ERA Schools PDR Unit emphasized that parental attitudes are very important in the development of children and adolescents' ability to set goals. Conv. Gizem Kolçak explains what should be done on this issue and at what time.
Aim; It means setting a date or time for a dream or an idea, supporting it with an action plan, and activating it. Setting goals is extremely important for children and adolescents as well as adults. Children who know what they want become self-confident and successful adults of the future.
During these periods, the most important responsibility falls on parents. A correct first step would be for family members to present simple and short-term goals to their children with an encouraging attitude throughout all processes. The earlier the ability to set goals is acquired, the more beneficial it will be for the child.
Preschool period
- Simple and easy-to-implement goals should be set in accordance with the age.
- He may be asked to paint without exceeding the lines.
- The use of the toy should be taught according to its purpose.
- The child can be encouraged to learn a new song.
- Providing options will increase self-confidence. For example, when buying a toy, one may be asked to choose between two toys.
School period
- New goals can be set, such as passing exams with high grades.
- During this period, families should try to get to know their children better and more closely.
- Goals should be free from high expectations.
- Setting short-term goals while moving towards the long-term goal will nourish the situation and produce more successful results.
- Children may need help from parents when determining their goals. Care should be taken to always be by your side.
- For example, when choosing a club at school, parents' intervention is very important when they cannot decide between mind games and rhythm club. At this point, knowing the child, being able to choose the club where he/she will be successful will be an important step in creating the feeling of "I made the right decision" in the child.
Adolescence
- With exams approaching, parents want to hear more concrete goals from their children. However, the most important thing to do during this period is to support the child's dreams.
- Parents should pay attention to whether their own dreams match the child's. It should not be forgotten that the child is also an individual.
- Adolescence is a period of indecision. The dream or goal they are passionate about today may become ordinary tomorrow. Parents should be patient while listening to children and allow for change.
- Families should not hesitate to seek expert support when necessary. Accurate results about children's interests and abilities can be achieved with the tests, inventories and measurement tools applied in psychological counseling and guidance units.
