Here are a few simple ideas to support your child in setting and working towards their goals this year:
Goal Setting Chart
Create a colourful visual chart with your child to track progress on their goals. This could include pictures, stickers, or other fun markers to celebrate milestones. This visual reminder can help your child see how far they’ve come, making the process more engaging and rewarding, whilst also increasing their motivation.
Daily Routine
A consistent daily routine can make a big difference in helping your child feel secure, organised, and ready for the day. Predictable routines support self-regulation and reduce anxiety, especially as they are needing to adjust to new school buildings, grade levels or even an entirely new school. Try to build in time for activities like relaxation, play, and learning to maintain a healthy balance. Visual schedules or checklists can also help your child feel in control and prepared for transitions throughout the day, including between subjects or classroom activities.
Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories to keep motivation high. This could be something as simple as adding a sticker to their goal chart, giving a high-five, or taking a moment to verbalise how proud you are of their efforts. Celebrating effort (not perfection) encourages a growth mindset and reinforces the idea that persistence and trying our best matters more than outcomes. Recognising small steps helps your child feel empowered and motivated to keep going.
Supporting a Growth Mindset
Help your child develop a growth mindset by focusing on the effort and process rather than just the end result. Encourage them to see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than something to be avoided. For example, if your child struggles with a task, praise their persistence and determination rather than just saying “good job” – acknowledge the hard work behind the success and be specific with your praise. Using phrases like “I can see that you worked really hard on that” or “it looks like you’re learning new things every day, which is great” can help shift their perspective on challenges and setbacks.