For most parents and kids, this school year is different than any they’ve ever had. Whether your kids are in a socially-distanced classroom or you’re homeschooling for the first time, here are some goal-setting tips for the school year.
Be Realistic
Unfortunately, many events and functions that you’re used to are not going to happen this year. Some sports teams have been disbanded until further notice while many clubs may not be meeting for a while. Be realistic in the goals you set for yourself and the ones you set with your child — don’t plan for something to happen if it probably won’t.
Find New Alternatives
Your child’s cross country team isn’t competing this year? Set running goals they can follow on their own. You can even contact their coach and discuss the best ways for your child to stay in competing shape so they don’t feel the negative effects next year. Help your child set up workout plans and you can even map out courses for them to run on their own when they would have been competing.
Talk to Your Child
Ask your child what kind of things they were hoping to accomplish this year. Be open with them about the limitations, but work together to find ways you can accomplish them. Whether it’s academic, financial, or physical, if you work together you’ll probably find some compromises that make the situation feel less intrusive on your life.
Be Supportive and Optimistic
Although it’s important to be realistic about what will and won’t happen this year (if the yearly chess tournament is cancelled, it’s cancelled) be optimistic with your child. They’re likely feeling bummed out about what they are missing. Offer sympathy and support with their emotions, but also try to find positive ways to look at the situation. Maybe they can’t compete in an event, but they can use the extra time towards perfecting their craft. Try to find socially-distance friendly or online resources that can support their goals in a new way. This could even be a great time for them to try something new that they never seemed to have time for before.