D.C. is home to high achievers, people constantly setting goals to advance to that "next level" in their lives in hopes of realizing fewer challenges and having more fun.
As we get ready for back to school time, it’s a good time for parents to think about helping their kids have a productive year.
So we turn to Rita Goodroe, owner of Rita Made Me Do It, LLC, who has tips to help parents set their children up for success in the new school year. Here is what she recommends:
Help your child trust in their ability to show up, take action and no matter the results.
Highlight your child's strengths, Rita gives this example: if they weren't selected for the school play but used that time to develop another skill that brought a new opportunity, celebrate that.
Have your child break the goal into smaller steps.
Sometimes a big goal can be overwhelming, but by breaking it up the goal is more doable, according to Rita. For example, the goal may be to write a 20 page research paper, which can feel overwhelming. Helping your child break a large goal into small tasks not only makes it more manageable and likely to be achieved.
Celebrate progress!
Rita says so many people wait to celebrate until they've reached the goal. The steps taken are the real victory and it's important that you and your child celebrate them!
For example, instead of waiting until your child completes a 20-page research paper to acknowledge it with a gift or celebration, you celebrate the fact that they wrote the first two pages - 10 percent of the paper!
Live each day as if your dream was already a reality.
Rita recommends to ask your child what their life would be like if they already achieved their goal. Maybe they want to be school President. Ask them to describe what they would be doing differently if they were President. Help your child identify ways that they can do those things NOW
Surround yourself with support.
Many students fail to achieve their goals because they lack patience (especially in a world that sells instant gratification). Rita says, It's important that your child get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. You can help them with this by encouraging them to connect with mentors and to participate in clubs and organizations with like-minded peers.
