by Dr. Samantha Lussier, Psy.D. / in Active, Adolescent, Child Behavior, Family Relationships, Parents / tags: Child, Child Behavior, Child Therapy, Children, Children's Mental Health, Family Relationships, Kids, parenting tips
Many parents have hopes and dreams of what their child will do or become in life. Do the goals that you have for your child line up with the goals that they have for themselves? If you are not sure how to answer this question, this may be a great conversation to have with your child.
Many children have big dreams of what they want to be when they become adults. Let’s nurture that hope and help them develop a plan and then set them on a path to achieve that goal.
You may be wondering, “How do I go about doing this for my child?“
That’s a great question.
Many parents want great things for their child, hoping that their children can have opportunities and experiences they feel they have missed in their own childhood. This may lead many parents to feel anxious and overwhelmed at the thought of helping their child plan for their future: Many people have experienced the shattering of their own dreams after being a hopeful child and excited about the future. After these painful experiences it can be very scary to face an unknown future and the possibility one’s own child may also experience the same kind of hurt.
What can I do to help my child achieve their goal(s)?
- Have a conversation about what their goal(s) are. If they are not sure what their goals are, encourage them on what you’ve noticed that they are good at and just start the conversation. Children want to share their life with their parents (even when they say they don’t). Children long for their parent’s approval. Your child wants your support more than any other person.
- If you do not know who your child’s school counselor is, call the school and ask. Your child’s school counselor has a wealth of experience in helping children plan and begin working toward current and future goals. Create a working relationship with the school counselor to ensure your child has all the support they need from the school and from you to achieve their current and future goals.
- Ensure your child has regular attendance at school. If your child is reluctant to participate in school or resistant to attend, there is a reason. There are many reasons why a child may refuse to attend school and whatever they are, they need to be identified so that you can help your child overcome barriers to achieving their goals in life. If you are having a difficult time identifying what that reason is or how to manage the situation, reach out to the school counselor or a therapist. There are many people ready and willing to help you support your child in achieving their highest potential.
About the Author: Dr. Samantha Lussier, Psy.D.
