My post is
a tad late I know, as most of my friends posted their “Goodbye 2017” post end
of last year. While I slowed down towards the end of the year (especially with
a small accident) and reflected internally, I did not really have the time nor
was I in the right frame of mind to sit and type it all down.
On the
parenting front, one of the hardest challenges I faced last year was parenting
a “tween”. I did not experience any terrible 2s with Dumpling so I was totally
unprepared for the struggles we had last year. Then I went on to google and
realize that 9 is the start of TWEENAGE. Yup, welcome to this urban term where
it is defined as a girl aged about 9-14...too old for toys, but too young for boys (thank God!)
One
of the key areas which I would like for her to work on is to develop good
habits for this year. As a FTWM, time is something which I lack and with her in
Primary 4 this year, I’d like for her to take on more ownership of her work and
responsibilities. Add to the fact that I am a Type A, I need
things to be planned out properly and way in advance because of the big E word
– Efficiency. With a helper to the equation, I realise that Dumpling hasn’t
quite been given the chances to plan and manage deadlines on her own. This has
resulted in many nagging sessions from me which sometimes lead to intense
frustration on my end.
For this year, her schedule seems to be getting crazier
primarily because of supplementary classes - the kiddo will be staying on in school for E2K twice a week (will blog about this once she starts and when we have a better understanding of the programme). Added to the fact that she has to also stay on for CCA, I am really worried about her ability
to finish her school homework on time and have a little down time to herself.
So
with the imminent tight schedule, I took the opportunity to talk to her about
setting goals and creating an agreement. I hope that I do not have to nag too
much.
So
yes, for 2018, my focus is to for her to develop good habits because I believe with good habits, everything else will follow. And these are what
we agreed to:
1. Be responsible for her homework. Namely:
- No devices from 330 to 5pm until school homework is cleared (on days where she does not have to stay back in school)
- Complete school homework on supplementary days after taking an hour break upon reaching home
2. Keeping to the scheduled time slots to complete the
individual items then personal time
3. Practising violin daily (even if it is just 20-30 mins)
4. Understand deadlines – e.g. be in room by a certain time
5. Praying before bed
As for me, here’s my focus for the year
1. To set aside me-time: my weekly Yoga and to continue with my
self-care skin care regime (Mary Kay!)
2. To guide the kiddo in planning her schedule though it is
much quicker for me to do it!
3. To be more prayerful and continue to have positive thoughts
EDIT: Here's a simple goal setting file which I created for Dumpling so that she can list out her top 3 goals where we can pin it up and we can both view daily. It also includes a simple sheet where you can track your progress some weeks (determined by you and your child) down the road. I hope that it is useful for you guys!
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| Goal setting printable for children |
Do you do goal setting with your child? How do you do it? Has it proven to be successful? I intend to review this a month down the road so wish me luck all!
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