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Here we are, already a couple of weeks into 2021. I think part of the reason I love a new year is that I just love to set goals and plan things!
While a new year does seem to be the perfect time for that, there’s no reason this practice can’t happen at any point during the year. Things change – family situations, our careers, health events, maybe a big move (or even a pandemic!) And when they do, it’s time to re-work our goals. Sometimes, even without those big events, we can lose focus on what we hope we will accomplish during the year, and when that happens we just need to dust off those goals and begin again.
There is a verse in the Bible in the book of Lamentations that says ‘His mercies begin afresh every morning…” It is an encouragement to me, when I have failed, maybe not only in my focus on goals, but in habit or relationships in general. There can always be a new beginning.
If you haven’t taken a moment to set some goals this year, I would encourage you to spend a bit ot time, and create even just one. If goal setting is new to you, take a look back at last week’s blog post for some tips.
What are your Grandkids Goals?
So what about our grandkids? Should they be setting goals? And what role should we play in that? I think this can be a really fun opportunity for us as grandparents. We have the opportunity to model our experience with setting goals, and perhaps to practice those skills together with our grandkids.
If your grandkids have already made some goals, ask if they might be willing to share them with you so that you can cheer them on. If they do, you’ll have some great insight into their likes, hopes and dreams.
Creating Goals With Your Grandkids
If they haven’t, and of course with your grown kids permission, ask your grandkids if they would like to create some shared goals with you. Here are some ideas that you can do in person or virtually to get you started:
- support a charity that you both would enjoy. For example if you enjoy pets, earn money to purchase dog food for a local animal shelter, or maybe even walk the dogs. (Just make sure there is an understanding before you go that you are visiting the animals, and not choosing one to take home!) If you are into writing or art, you might consider writing letters to service members. A Million Thanks, which was actually founded by a 15 year old, is a great place to start!
- play a game twice a month
- learn a few words each week in a foreign language
- thank their parents at least once a week for something specific – this is something you both can do!
My granddaughter Morgan and her dad decided they were going to give someone a compliment every day. They tell each other at dinner what they said and to whom they said it. I love this! So I’m joining in. I may not check in with them every day, but even knowing it’s something they are focusing on this year gives me a wonderful conversation starter.
Remember that the more your grandchild is involved in the goal setting process, the more likely they are to focus on the steps necessary to complete it.
Free Goal Setting Worksheet
We’ve created a fun (free) template for you to use as you set goals with your grandkids! After completing it, display it in each of your homes as a reminder of your aspirations.
Tips/Games for Helping Kids ‘Focus’
We’ve been talking a lot about ‘focus’ when it comes to goals, but focus for our daily life is also important. If we aren’t able to accomplish our daily responsibilities, we most likely won’t have time or resources to complete our bigger goals. The same is true for our grandkids, so we want to share some fun tips for helping kids focus.
Play Simon Says – a great game for following directions and self regulation.
Play/Sing Head-Shoulders-Knees-Toes. For older kids up the concentration by changing around the area you touch. For example, when you sing ‘head’ touch your toes and when you sing ‘toes’ touch your head. (This could be a challenge for me!)
Reduce Noise – If they are coming for a visit and you have a planned activity, reduce the distractions in the environment. Turn off your TV, and put distractible items out of sight.
Play Make believe with them – Charles Schaefer, a play therapy expert explains that this type of play helps kids think ahead and consider responses to ‘obstacles’ that they face as they play.
Color together!– This helps with focus AND fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and relaxation. Coloring books for the win – for all ages!
Play a concentration game – these games help kids take in new information while storing known information. We love these games, and we’ve developed one with the Focus theme in mind. We’ve added it to our OverTheRiverLife shop on Etsy and hope you and your grandkids will find these focusing animals as irresistible as we do!
We want to wish you ‘Happy New Year!” one more time, and hope that this new year is a new start, and full of great fun and opportunity for you and your grankids as you turn moments into memories!