Setting Goals for Children with ADHD – Advice for Parents

Setting goals is an essential skill that helps children build confidence, develop responsibility, and learn to navigate challenges. For children with ADHD, goal-setting can be particularly valuable as it provides structure and focus in areas where they may naturally struggle. However, children with ADHD often find it difficult to stay organized, maintain attention, and follow through on tasks, which can make the process of setting and achieving goals more complex.

As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child learn how to set realistic and meaningful goals. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for guiding your child through the goal-setting process and discuss how resources like online ADHD parenting classes in Lee’s Summit can provide additional support.

 

Why Goal-Setting Matters for Children with ADHD

Goal-setting is more than just a way to accomplish tasks—it’s a tool that teaches children valuable life skills, such as:

• Time Management: Breaking goals into smaller steps helps children manage their time effectively and understand the importance of prioritizing tasks.
• Focus and Perseverance: Setting goals encourages children to stay focused on long-term outcomes, even when faced with distractions or challenges.
• Self-Esteem: Achieving a goal, no matter how small, can boost a child’s confidence and help them feel capable and successful.
• Problem-Solving: When children encounter obstacles in reaching their goals, they learn to think critically and adapt.

For children with ADHD, these skills don’t always develop naturally. They need extra guidance and practice to build these abilities. Parents can provide this support by introducing structured goal-setting techniques tailored to their child’s unique needs.

 

Step 1: Start with SMART Goals

A common challenge for children with ADHD is that they often feel overwhelmed by vague or overly ambitious goals. This is where the SMART goal framework comes in. SMART goals are:

• Specific: Goals should be clear and detailed, leaving no room for confusion. For example, instead of saying “do better in school,” try “complete all math homework before bedtime each night.”
• Measurable: Include a way to track progress. For instance, if your child’s goal is to read more, decide on a specific number of pages or books to read each week.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic based on your child’s current abilities. Start small to build confidence.
• Relevant: The goal should align with your child’s interests or needs. If they struggle with organization, a goal like “clean my desk after school every day” might be appropriate.
• Time-Bound: Set a deadline or timeframe for achieving the goal, such as “complete this project by Friday.”

The SMART framework helps children focus on concrete, attainable objectives while reducing the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed.

 

Step 2: Break Goals into Manageable Steps

Children with ADHD often struggle with tasks that require sustained attention or involve multiple steps. To make goal-setting more manageable, break each goal into smaller, actionable steps. For example:

• Goal: “Improve Math Test Scores”

• Steps to Improve Math Test Scores:

1. Review class notes for 10 minutes each evening.
2. Complete one additional practice problem each day.
3. Ask the teacher one question about math every week.

By focusing on one small task at a time, your child is less likely to feel overwhelmed and more likely to experience success.

 

 

Step 3: Use Visual Aids

Many children with ADHD are visual learners, which means they benefit from seeing their goals laid out in front of them. Tools like goal charts, checklists, or vision boards can help your child track their progress and stay motivated.

For example, you might create a chart with spaces for stickers or checkmarks each time your child completes a step toward their goal. Celebrating these small achievements can keep them engaged and excited about their progress.

 

Step 4: Celebrate Successes, No Matter How Small

Children with ADHD often face more challenges and frustrations than their peers, so it’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate their successes. Every step they complete toward a goal, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Positive reinforcement can take many forms, such as verbal praise like saying, “I’m so proud of you for finishing your homework today!” Another option is to reward the child with extra screen time, a favorite snack, or even just a high-five. This encouragement helps your child associate goal-setting with positive feelings and motivates them to keep going.

 

Step 5: Teach Flexibility and Resilience

Sometimes, despite their best efforts, children may struggle to achieve their goals. It’s important to teach them that setbacks are a normal part of the process and an opportunity to learn and grow.

If your child encounters an obstacle, work with them to brainstorm solutions or adjust the goal as needed. For example, if they set a goal to complete a project by a specific date but underestimated the time required, help them revise the deadline and discuss how to plan more effectively next time.

This emphasis on flexibility and resilience can prevent your child from becoming discouraged and help them develop a growth mindset.

 

Step 6: Model Goal-Setting Behavior

Children often learn best by watching their parents. If you demonstrate goal-setting in your own life, your child is more likely to adopt the same habits. Share your goals with your child, explain how you plan to achieve them, and involve them in the process when appropriate.

For example, if you’re setting a goal to exercise more, you might say, “I’m setting a goal to go for a 20-minute walk three times a week. Can you help me by reminding me or joining me on my walks?”

This not only teaches your child about the importance of setting goals but also strengthens your bond and shows them that everyone, even adults, works toward self-improvement.

 

Step 7: Seek Professional Guidance

If you find that your child is struggling with goal-setting despite your best efforts, consider seeking professional guidance. Dr. Tish Taylor specializes in helping children with ADHD and their families navigate challenges like these. Her expertise can provide personalized strategies for goal-setting and other ADHD-related difficulties.

Additionally, participating in Lee’s Summit ADHD parenting classes online can equip you with practical tools and techniques to support your child. These classes are specifically designed to address the unique needs of children with ADHD and offer actionable advice for parents looking to foster their child’s success.

 

Conclusion: The Long-Term Benefits of Goal-Setting

Helping your child learn to set and achieve goals is one of the most impactful things you can do as a parent. For children with ADHD, this skill is especially valuable, as it fosters structure, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment in areas where they may otherwise struggle.

By using strategies like SMART goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and celebrating successes, you can make the goal-setting process engaging and rewarding for your child. And with resources like online ADHD parenting classes in Lee’s Summit, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

With patience, encouragement, and the right tools, your child can develop the skills they need to succeed—not just in achieving their goals, but in all areas of life.

 

 

If you are struggling to find the right support for your child, contact me, Dr. Tish Taylor, Ph.D. I am a licensed child psychologist who specializes in Lee’s Summit ADHD testing. My experience working in and with schools makes me a valuable resource for parents. I have a wide range of experience with diagnoses, including ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning deficits, anxiety, mood, and behavior problems. I also do autism assessment in Lee’s Summit if that is where your concerns lie.

I utilize the latest research to create intervention methods to give your child and your family the support they need, including learning disability evaluations in Lee’s Summit.

 

 

You can reach me at (913) 738-4177 or visit my website to learn more about the services I offer. You can also get in touch with me by filling out this contact form. I look forward to assisting you.

You can also receive guidance through my books focused on Fostering Connection and Parenting with ADHD. Click here to find out more about these publications and how they can be a major benefit to you and your child.