Parents Help Kids Achieve Their Goals
Every New Year, parents make resolutions to support their kids in achieving their dreams. Among their top priorities? More patience, less time on phones, and creating healthier family habits. The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health reveals that tweens and teens are setting their own goals too. These include academic achievements, exercising, and even earning money.
According to the nationally representative poll, nearly three in four parents make resolutions or set personal goals throughout the year. Over half of parents say that their child ages 11–18 years have set personal goals as well, presenting families with opportunities for self-reflection and motivation to improve physical and emotional health.
“Milestone occasions, such as the start of a new calendar or school year, present families with opportunities for self-reflection and motivation to improve an area of physical and emotional health,” said Mott Poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.
Nearly half of mothers and a third of fathers said they have made goals to change something about their parenting. Many focus on areas they’d like to improve in their parenting approach, including being more engaged and supporting their child’s connection to the broader community.
“Setting goals to improve parenting can help parents define their values and priorities and have positive effects on the health and well being of the whole family,” Clark said.
Even kids have resolutions related to their academic performance, exercise, and trying new things. Nearly 70% of children want to improve their grades and performance in school, highlighting the importance of family support in helping them achieve their goals.
It’s clear that the desire to set and achieve goals is something the whole family can work towards, improving the well-being of parents and children alike.
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