Make resolutions as a family
Jan 01, 2006
HAPPY New Year! The year 2005 has passed by and we all look back with a sense of accomplishment. Did you make any milestone success in your parenting? I know things might not have worked as you planned but you do not have to crucify yourself for this.
HAPPY New Year! The year 2005 has passed by and we all look back with a sense of accomplishment. Did you make any milestone success in your parenting? I know things might not have worked as you planned but you do not have to crucify yourself for this.
How about utilising the New Year to set your family goals afresh? It is a time to sit with your family and help each other set goals or make resolutions.
Family is a unit bound by emotional chords and there are a number of goals that can only be achieved corporately. Are there certain things you would like to see achieved this year? Let us see how you could set goals as a family and with individual children.
Setting family goals
The following are some areas you might consider working on this year with family:
Communication: Do your children feel free to tell you whenever you hurt their feelings? Freely discuss with them how the year has been and incidences in which you hurt them and vice versa. Resolve to change your communication pattern and face the year a changed family.
Family bonds: How often does your family play, pray, take meals together or go for family outings during the year? You might not have taken these issues seriously before but we are in a changing world and we have to learn to change with changes. In case your children are in boarding schools, you could resort to sending them “I love you†cards. Encourage them also to send “I miss you†cards to each other in the course of the term.
Siblings rarely bond with one another naturally. If your children are not close to each other you have cause to worry. You need to help them deal with their conflicts and relate well. Do not carry old conflicts into the New Year.
Setting goals with your child
This is the time to sit with your child and discuss areas of weaknesses and strengths. Here’s how to go about it:
Do not dictate terms. Give your child the opportunity of assessing him/herself. Children can identify their weaknesses more easily if you begin by complimenting their strengths. Use statements like: I was happy with your academic performance last year but I believe there are areas you need to improve.
Are there particular areas you could target for change this year? After the child has identified areas that need change, help him/her to lay strategies and set goals for the New Year.
Ensure that the goals are stated in a positive language. They should write: “I shall do....†rather than “I shall not....†Making children set their own goals or make own resolutions teaches them self-discipline and enhances their commitment towards achievement of the goals.
Do not impose your own goals on the children. Remember, goals do not achieve themselves; you must work at achieving them. For those who sent me messages or gave phone calls to express appreciation for my work, I am grateful. Have a prosperous new year and remember to make a difference in your child's life this year.
jwagwau@newvision.co.ug
077631032
How about utilising the New Year to set your family goals afresh? It is a time to sit with your family and help each other set goals or make resolutions.
Family is a unit bound by emotional chords and there are a number of goals that can only be achieved corporately. Are there certain things you would like to see achieved this year? Let us see how you could set goals as a family and with individual children.
Setting family goals
The following are some areas you might consider working on this year with family:
Siblings rarely bond with one another naturally. If your children are not close to each other you have cause to worry. You need to help them deal with their conflicts and relate well. Do not carry old conflicts into the New Year.
Setting goals with your child
This is the time to sit with your child and discuss areas of weaknesses and strengths. Here’s how to go about it:
Are there particular areas you could target for change this year? After the child has identified areas that need change, help him/her to lay strategies and set goals for the New Year.
Do not impose your own goals on the children. Remember, goals do not achieve themselves; you must work at achieving them. For those who sent me messages or gave phone calls to express appreciation for my work, I am grateful. Have a prosperous new year and remember to make a difference in your child's life this year.
jwagwau@newvision.co.ug
077631032