
Jodie Maddox
Volume 30 January 3, 2025
Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant
I PARTNER with parents and schools.
I EMPOWER them to make decisions within their sphere of influence.
I PROVIDE reliable support, with effective strategies, to gain desired results.
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Email jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
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Unlocking the Possibilities!!!
Setting A New Goal For the New Year
Dear Friends,
The New Year is a time of renewal, a season brimming with possibilities, and the perfect opportunity for a fresh new start. It’s a moment to reflect on past achievements, embrace new challenges, and inspire growth—not only for ourselves but also for our children. What a great time to talk to your child about the importance of setting goals and working towards the outcome you desire. In this issue, we will explore the why, how, and practical steps for engaging children and teens in setting meaningful goals, envisioning positive change, and taking action to achieve what matters most to them.
By guiding your child in setting and achieving meaningful goals, you can help them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment as they step into the year ahead.
With A Grateful Heart,
Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant
Skills For Success
Teaching Children How To Set and Achieve Their Goals Starts With You
Goal-setting is a powerful skill that fosters confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. I remember when I was a new special education teacher, learning how to write an effective, achievable, and measurable goal took time and practice. Goals are personal and must be tailored to fit the needs and outcomes of the individual involved. If you set the bar too high, the person involved may get frustrated and lose interest. Set the bar too low, and the person may gain a false sense of achievement that doesn't produce the desired result.
If you'd like to use the start of the new year to help your child change their habits or actions in a particular area, now is the time to start. Let's say you want to help them learn to entertain themselves without relying on screens. The goal itself must be stated simply and be easy to understand. Ultimately, you want them to decrease their screen time. Easy to say, right? We all know that this is a BIG task, and it will take a lot of self-control and creativity on the child/teen's part, to achieve this task. If you start in the wrong way, you will easily set your child up for failure and possibly ignite a "battle of the wills" between yourself and the child that could get pretty ugly, real fast. Knowing where, how, and what is needed is critical for setting and achieving goals.
Goal setting starts with self-awareness and must include equal parts of motivation and perseverance. If your child or teen is not aware (or doesn't understand) a particular area of need or deficit, no amount of talking, advising, or planning is going to help ignite a desire for change.
The first step in helping your child/teen set a goal that will be effective and achievable is to ask yourself, as a parent, a few questions. What does my child need to know about this area/item/situation? What do I "think" they already understand? Have I verified they think this or know this about the area/item/situation? Is this something I have asked them, or have I assumed this? Have I asked them how they feel about the situation? Have we talked about this particular topic outside a moment of chaos or crisis? Have I said, done, or modeled anything with my own behavior that could be sending a different or confusing message about this particular topic? For example, if I want my child to decrease their screen time, am I modeling alternatives to screen time like reading, engaging in hobbies, or exercise?
You can't control/change others. No matter how hard you try to "teach" your child how to set and achieve their goals, at the end of the day, you can only control/change yourself. So teaching your child/teen how to set and achieve a particular goal (like most things with parenting) starts with you and your own behavior.
There are four simple steps you can take to inspire change and help your child achieve a specific goal. Each step is revolving, and the process takes a lot of time, practice, and patience for everyone involved.
- Model the behavior you want to see.
- Make intentional space to adjust the way you perform.
- Maintain connection with your child before trying to correct the child.
- Measure your own performance — not your child’s.
Your behavior speaks louder and is more powerful than anything you say. Keep this in mind as you identify areas of need, and try to help inspire change.
Goal Setting With Your Child Or Teen
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your child set and achieve their goals while embracing their individuality and creativity. Keep in mind, if you have never worked on goal setting with your child, start with something they are interested in. Starting with a high-need area like assignment completion, staying in their bed at night, or trying new foods is not going to go well. Connection before correction is the key! Start with a goal that excites them, help them first feel successful at a task. Build confidence and courage through success and accomplishment. Success is contagious, once you experience success, you want more and are motivated to try new and more difficult tasks.
Let's get going!
1. Encourage Voice and Choice
Allow your child to take the lead in setting their goals. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s something you would love to learn?” or “What’s one thing you’d like to get better at?” Letting them choose ensures the goal is meaningful and personal. Teach them to choose a goal for different areas of their life like school, family, hobbies, and activities. Keep expectations doable and manageable.
2. Practice Envisioning the Outcome
Help your child imagine what it will feel like once they accomplish their goal. Ask them to close their eyes and picture themselves achieving their goal. What would they be proud of? What might they gain from the experience, what thoughts are holding them back, are they nervous or excited, and why?
3. Write It Down
Encourage your child to write down their goal. A written goal acts as a visual reminder and reinforces their commitment. Use colorful markers, stickers, or a fun notebook to make this step engaging. Hang the goal in a place seen daily like their bathroom mirror. Consider coming up with a short phrase to repeat to help with motivation along the way, something like, “This isn’t easy but I can do hard things, and I am going to be so happy once I ______.”
4. Chunk the Goal into Manageable Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Work with your child to break their goal into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if their goal is to learn a new instrument, steps might include: choosing an instrument, finding a teacher, practicing for 15 minutes daily, and learning a new song by heart.
5. Draw a Timeline
Create a simple timeline to track progress. This can be a colorful chart with milestones or a calendar where they can check off completed steps. A timeline helps your child see progress and stay motivated.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
Every small step deserves recognition. Celebrate achievements along the way with praise, a high-five, or a big hug. Positive reinforcement keeps your child excited and engaged.
7. Brainstorm Resources and Support For When Things Get Tough
Discuss what or who can help your child achieve their goal. Do they need supplies, like art materials or sports gear? What strengths do they possess that will help them stay on track when things get tough? Identifying these resources can help them problem-solve and feel empowered during the bumpy times that are sure to happen throughout the journey.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. By guiding your child through these steps, you’re teaching them valuable life skills that extend beyond their immediate goal. Celebrate their efforts, learn from setbacks together, and watch as they grow more confident and capable.
Here’s to a year of accomplishments and growth for your child!
Ideas For Getting Started
Examples of Goals For Kids and Teens For the New Year
Here are 10 examples of age-appropriate goals for children ages 8-12 to consider for the New Year:
Read a new book every month (or every week, depending on their reading habits).
Learn a new skill like cooking, sewing, jogging, painting, or gardening.
Try a new hobby such as drawing, playing a musical instrument, or gardening.
Meal plan and pack their own lunch.
Save money for a special item or experience by setting aside a portion of their allowance.
Make their bed and pick up clothes on their floor every day.
Be active daily for at least 30 minutes by playing outside, riding a bike, or dancing.
Reduce screen time by spending a set amount of time each day unplugged.
Volunteer or help others through acts of kindness and keep a weekly journal.
Try at least one new food every month to expand their palate.
Here are 10 examples of age-appropriate and meaningful goals for preteens and teenagers to consider for the New Year:
Learn a new skill or hobby (e.g., photography, cooking, running a 5K, or playing an instrument).
Improve time management by using a planner or scheduling app.
Journal regularly to reflect on thoughts and emotions.
Set up a daily prayer routine. Practice mindfulness to help relieve stress, and journal what works.
Develop a consistent sleep schedule to feel more rested. Keep technology out of the bedroom or avoid using the snooze button.
Get a small part-time job. Save money for a meaningful purchase or plans.
Take a leadership role in a club, sports team, or group project.
Exercise regularly, aiming for 3-5 times per week.
Create healthier eating habits or drink more water.
Reduce screen time and replace it with getting involved in clubs, classes, or community events.
Parent Corner
Is it time to hire a parent coach?
Here’s a revised version of your introduction with a more empathetic tone, improved structure, and a clear call to action:
Are you feeling like your parenting skills could use a refresh? Do you find yourself walking on eggshells, constantly worrying about your child's behavior and how it impacts their relationships at school, on a team, or at home?
Does your child struggle with impulsivity, emotional outbursts, or erratic behavior that seems to hold them back? Maybe you're noticing these challenges starting to affect their confidence—and leaving you questioning your approach.
Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be exhausting; especially when you're unsure of the best way to support your child's unique needs. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone.
A parent coach can provide the emotional support, practical strategies, and tools you need to navigate these challenges. Together, we can create a plan to address your child’s behaviors with compassion and confidence—strengthening your relationship and helping your child thrive.
Are you ready to start 2025 off on the right foot? Let's get started; your family deserves a fresh start.
Contact me today for your free consultation at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
School Corner
Empowering Educators to Create Safe and Supportive Classrooms
Teachers are tasked with far more than delivering excellent academic instruction. Each day, they are called to:
- Guide students through intense emotions
- Support mood regulation
- Teach flexibility and adaptability
- Help students shift their thoughts and perspectives
Academic growth happens when students feel safe, valued, and secure in their learning environment. Managing this growing list of social and emotional responsibilities can feel overwhelming. That’s why providing educators with targeted support in social and emotional learning (SEL) is not just helpful—it’s essential.
How SEL Support Transforms Classrooms
- Boosts Student Confidence and Engagement
- Enhances Classroom Behavior
- Supports Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
- Strengthens Positive Relationships
- Prepares Students for Real-World Challenges
- Addresses Inequities and Promotes Inclusion
Professional Development Workshop
In my 3-hour professional development workshop, educators will gain practical tools to seamlessly integrate SEL into their daily routines. This session is designed to:
- Guide educators through reflective practices to evaluate and strengthen current SEL strategies.
- Identify actionable areas for growth that align with instructional goals.
- Equip teachers with evidence-based methods to create a nurturing and effective classroom environment.
The workshop content is inspired by the transformative work of leaders in SEL and education, including David L. Cooperrider and Diana Whitney (Appreciative Inquiry), the Transforming Education Institute, the Child Mind Institute, and the Association of Supervision Curriculum Development (ASCD) Social Emotional Learning resources.
Funding Flexibility
This workshop is eligible for Title Funds, making it an accessible and valuable investment for your school or district.
Take Action Today
Empower your educators with the skills and strategies they need to support every child’s academic, emotional, and social success. Contact me today to schedule your session and make an immediate impact in your classrooms!
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Jodie Maddox Coaching and Consulting
Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
Facebook: facebook.com/Jodiemaddox-ParentCoach&consultant
Parent Coach and Education Consultant