Setting parenting goals

As in life, we usually have a better chance of achieving our goals if we write them down on paper. When our kids were born, I made a list of things I wanted to do with them and experiences I wanted them to have. Life gets busy, and the urgent often takes priority over the important things. Keeping a list of important things you want to teach your kids or do with your kids before they turn 18 will keep you focused on your priorities. Want to travel with your kids? camp with them? serve in a soup kitchen sometime? Write down all of your hopes and dreams. Want to teach them how to handle money? communicate well with them? Help them to discover their gifts and talents? Write those things down and get knowledge yourself as well. I am always reading parenting books to keep myself focused on being the best mom I can be and to recommend the best material to my clients who come to me about parenting issues. Be a good role model. If your goal is to teach your kids about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, model for them good eating and exercise habits, let your kids see you work on breaking bad and unhealthy habits too. Remember children learn more by what you do rather than what you say!
As we work through our goals and dreams for our children, we will gain a sense of purpose and accomplishment in one of the very most important roles we will ever have, that of a parent.