Happy 2017! At the beginning of every year, creating goals and resolutions is on just about everyone's mind. Here at Kidz at Heart, we believe in setting healthy goals for ourselves but also helping kids learn the value of goal setting for themselves. That's why we have created this list of ways you as a parent can help your primary school aged kids set their own goals.

Explain what a goal is in words your kids will understand. Use analogies of things your kids understand.
Teach them the SMART method of goal setting. Show them that goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.
Chat to your kids about what is important to them and help them create goals that align with what they value most.
Make it fun! Create a colourful, visual poster with your kids so they can see what they're aiming for.
Keep it simple and start small. Your kids are still learning so encourage them to set little goals that are easily achievable at first.
Don't use goal setting with your kids as a way to force your own aspirations on them. Guide them but ultimately help them find out what they want to achieve for themselves.
Make sure their goals are wholistic. Its not healthy for your kids to be focussed on only one area of their lives. Encourage little goals that will benefit their entire wellbeing.
Set up an activity reward system for bigger goals. Instead of giving your kids a toy or money for achieving what they set out to do, do a fun activity as a family that they've been looking forward to doing.

Have fun and set aside sometime this January to help your kids set goals and remember to encourage them throughout the year because achieving their goals is an ongoing process.