Limor Jasinski, a Mindset Coach for Kids and Teens based in Warsaw, founder of Wisdom Kids Academy, on goal-setting for kids

As we step into the New Year, many of us are taking time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the months ahead. While we’re in this mindset of renewal and planning, why not extend this powerful practice to our children?

Recently, while working on my own yearly planning, my 12-year-old son caught me by surprise. “Mom, can I make my own goals too? His genuine interest sparked an important realization for me as both a parent and a coach: children are naturally drawn to improvement when we present it in a way that connects to their daily lives.

Why Goal-Setting Matters in Everyday Life

Research from the Journal of Child Development shows that children who learn structured goal-setting techniques alongside their parents are 63% more likely to develop strong self-regulation skills. But what does this mean for your family? It’s about helping your children manage everything from daily routines to longer-term aspirations.

Starting Small: The Power of Everyday Wins

In my coaching practice, I’ve found that children build the most confidence when they start with small, achievable goals. Recently, during a family meeting, my 10-year-old set a simple goal: remembering to pack his sports kit the night before practice. This might seem minor, but it teaches vital skills:

Planning ahead
Taking responsibility
Creating routines
Building independence

Making Goal-Setting Approachable for Your Child

Instead of asking “What are your dreams?” try these CONVERSATION STARTERS:

“What’s one thing you’d like to do better this week?”
“Is there something you want to learn before summer?”
“What would make your morning routine easier?”
“Which activity would you like to get better at?”

Creating a Family Framework for Success

Through years of coaching experience, I’ve developed a simple approach that works for families:

Start with the Immediate Begin with goals your child can achieve within a week. This builds confidence and shows them the goal-setting process works.
Build Progressive Challenges Once they master small goals, gradually introduce longer timeframes:

Daily tasks → Weekly achievements
Weekly achievements → Monthly goals
Monthly goals → Seasonal goals
Seasonal goals → Yearly aspirations

Break Down Bigger Goals When your child expresses a bigger dream, help them create a “stepping stones” plan:

What’s the first small step?
What can we achieve this month?
What skills do we need to learn?
Who can help us along the way?

Making It Work at Home

Turn everyday activities into opportunities for goal-setting:

Morning routines (getting ready for school on time)
After-school activities (completing homework before play)
Personal responsibilities (keeping their room tidy)
Hobby development (practicing piano for 15 minutes daily)

The Power of Family Check-ins

Stanford’s Child Development Center research shows that families who reflect together on both achievements and setbacks show higher levels of problem-solving abilities. Create this environment through:

Weekly family check-ins at dinner time
Progress charts for daily goals on the fridge
Monthly celebration of achievements
Open discussion of challenges

Moving Forward Together

As one parent in my practice noted, “We started with making the bed every day, and now my daughter is planning her own weekly schedule.”

By introducing goal-setting as a natural part of family life, you’re giving your child the tools to manage both their present tasks and future aspirations with confidence and capability.

About the Author

Limor Jasinski – the founder of Wisdom Kids Academy in Poland, and a fervent advocate for children’s development. A Tel Aviv native, Limor’s journey in nurturing young minds began early in her career when she worked as a caretaker for children, revealing her innate connection with them. This connection sparked a lifelong passion that led her across continents, from the welcoming communities of Canada to the enchanting landscapes of Poland and Warsaw.

Limor holds over a decade of experience in coaching, starting with her certification from TUT Coaching College and followed by advanced training at the Robbins-Madanes Training program in the U.S. She further honed her skills by earning a Practitioner of Excellence certificate from The Strategic Intervention Coaching Institute and becoming a certified Wisdom life coach for kids through Adventures in Wisdom.

At Wisdom Kids Academy, Limor uses the WISDOM System for Coaching Kids™, a part of the Adventures in Wisdom™ Curriculum. This innovative program, which includes 27 specially designed books, has been adopted by life coaches in over 30 countries to develop personal growth and leadership skills in children and teens. Limor’s curriculum focuses on essential life skills like resilience, self-esteem, and overcoming fears through compelling storytelling, enabling kids to confidently face life’s challenges.

Limor takes pride in her role as a coach, inspiring greatness and encouraging each child to dream big and develop a robust mindset for overcoming any obstacle. Under her guidance, children at Wisdom Kids Academy embark on a transformative journey of growth and discovery, unlocking their potential and achieving their goals with confidence and excitement. Connect with Limor: limor@wisdom-kidsacademy.com, Instagram, Facebook. Wisdom Kids Academy’s website in English.

Wisdom Kids Academy’s services

Explore our full range of offerings and real-life success stories on our website: wisdom-kidsacademy.com. Interested in personalized coaching or engaging workshops for schools and parents? We cover various topics of growth mindset, such as Strengthening Self-Confidence and Making Good Decisions. How do you instill values and self-responsibility at home? Visit us to learn more and share your experiences. Together, let’s enrich our parenting skills and empower our children for a brighter future!

Testimonial from a Courageous Young Climber: “I was always scared of heights, like really scared, but Miss Limor changed all that! After just one session with her, where she taught me these four cool steps to manage my fear, I felt like I could do anything. And you know what? I went rock climbing! At first, I was like, ‘Oh no, what if I fall?’ But then I remembered what Miss Limor said, ‘You can do it, you have what it takes, you’re safe, and everything’s going to be okay.’ So, I talked to myself, just like she taught me, and I did it! I climbed higher and higher, and it was amazing! I came back jumping with joy because I overcame my fear of heights. Thank you, Miss Limor, for helping me feel so happy and brave! – A beaming young adventurer”