In Cassie's blog yesterday she happened to mention daydreaming, which happens to be a subject near and dear to my heart, so thought I would elaborate a little more on this delicious topic.
How many times were we told as kids to stop day dreaming and get on with our school work or chores? Turns out our teachers and parents were doing us a great disservice and literally turning off our creativity. Day dreaming and visualizing are powerful tools and writers use them to bring their characters to life. I can attest to that because daydreaming is a huge part of my creative process. I can see the characters in my mind repeating the words I write for them and sometimes it is so real it is hard to believe that they don't really exist, outside of my mind that is.
So parents let your kids daydream encourage them to let their minds wander you will be amazed at what they can accomplish when they let their thoughts take flight and go to strange and wonderful places. Daydreaming will also help them with accomplishing their goals, so dream on dear children dream on.
Happy goal setting
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Kids Writing their Goals
Writing our goals out is a very powerful way to embed them in our subconscious and give us an extra push towards achieving them.
If your child is old enough, why not give him a nice notebook and suggest he can write out his major goals in it each morning.
It is also a great idea to lead by example, and if your child sees you doing this and getting excited about YOUR goals, he is likely to be inspired to do the same!
Remind him to visualise and imagine his goals as he does this. Daydreaming about our goals is both fun and important!
Happy goal setting with your kids
Cassie
If your child is old enough, why not give him a nice notebook and suggest he can write out his major goals in it each morning.
It is also a great idea to lead by example, and if your child sees you doing this and getting excited about YOUR goals, he is likely to be inspired to do the same!
Remind him to visualise and imagine his goals as he does this. Daydreaming about our goals is both fun and important!
Happy goal setting with your kids
Cassie
Monday, January 29, 2007
Keep an Open Mind
Funny how we can truly believe something is a scientific fact and find out many years later that we were wrong all along. I am not sure where I was when it made the news but yesterday my son informed me that Pluto was no longer considered a planet. Makes you wonder what else is going to turn out to be a bunch of worm fodder.
I guess the lesson here is not to believe everything you are told, or maybe the real lesson is to be open to all possibilities. Make it a goal to sit down with your kids and find out what interests them. Whether it is dinosaurs or extra terrestrial beings or why the sky is blue? Children are naturally curious so keep encouraging them to discover more about themselves and the world around them.
Happy Goal setting,
Monicka
I guess the lesson here is not to believe everything you are told, or maybe the real lesson is to be open to all possibilities. Make it a goal to sit down with your kids and find out what interests them. Whether it is dinosaurs or extra terrestrial beings or why the sky is blue? Children are naturally curious so keep encouraging them to discover more about themselves and the world around them.
Happy Goal setting,
Monicka
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Tell your children how special they are...
Today let's meditate on these special words ... and remember to tell each of the children in our lives how special they are
"Children of the World" by Pablo Casals
Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again . . . And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France.
When will we also teach them what they are?
We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move.
You may become a Shakespeare, a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel?
You must work - we must all work - to make the world worthy of its children. . .
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Goal setting - Why or How?
My wise soul-sister Monicka says everyone should have at least 12 hugs every day.
So each morning when I wake up I go downstairs in my pajamas and find my big furry dog. He is especially cuddly when he's half asleep, so I curl up with him on the carpet and we give each other a big hug and I kiss his wet nose and it's just a lovely way to start the day.
What has that got to do with goal setting? Well my puppy dog is my treasure and the light of my life, and I would never want to be without a dog. But for many years, I didn't have one. I'm very pragmatic, and I worried about all the practical details of dog care, and so the years went by with no puppy!
Then one day another wise friend talked to me about which is important, when you set a goal:
1. Is it more important to know HOW you will achieve your goal?
2. Or is it more important to know WHY you will achieve you goal?
"Think about WHY you want something, and the HOW will take care of itself," my friend told me.
Well I sure knew WHY I wanted a dog! And that conversation inspired me to put aside my "how" worries and get a puppy immediately! And I've never regretted it once.
This weekend, why not find the time to talk to your kids about the importance of concentrating on WHY they are committed to each of their goals?
Happy goal setting with your kids,
Cassie
So each morning when I wake up I go downstairs in my pajamas and find my big furry dog. He is especially cuddly when he's half asleep, so I curl up with him on the carpet and we give each other a big hug and I kiss his wet nose and it's just a lovely way to start the day.
What has that got to do with goal setting? Well my puppy dog is my treasure and the light of my life, and I would never want to be without a dog. But for many years, I didn't have one. I'm very pragmatic, and I worried about all the practical details of dog care, and so the years went by with no puppy!
Then one day another wise friend talked to me about which is important, when you set a goal:
1. Is it more important to know HOW you will achieve your goal?
2. Or is it more important to know WHY you will achieve you goal?
"Think about WHY you want something, and the HOW will take care of itself," my friend told me.
Well I sure knew WHY I wanted a dog! And that conversation inspired me to put aside my "how" worries and get a puppy immediately! And I've never regretted it once.
This weekend, why not find the time to talk to your kids about the importance of concentrating on WHY they are committed to each of their goals?
Happy goal setting with your kids,
Cassie
Friday, January 26, 2007
The Power of Words
I was having a telephone conversation with a dear friend of mine today when he happened to mention that he was thinking of buying a new piece of equipment for his company. I noticed when he was first telling me about it that he had said if he gets it and then quickly corrected himself and said I mean when I get it.
It made me think of the power words actually have. If thoughts have energy and our words are from our thoughts, than words would have energy too. Just by being careful about how we phrase things we can improve the chances of actually bringing the things we desire to fruition. When my friend used the term "if" he was basically telling himself that there was a chance he wouldn't get the equipment he wanted, by changing that if to a "when" he was telling himself it was pretty much a given that he would get the equipment but the date of its arrival had not been determined yet. Too cool!!
Try this with yourself and teach it to your kids too. Think about how you word things from now on, especially when it comes to your goals. Instead of saying my goal is to lose ten pounds, (remember what we lose we can usually find again) try saying I release ten pounds making it sound as if you have already done it. See how many ways that you can change your wording to a
much more positive message using the word I as much as possible.
Happy Goal Setting
Monicka
It made me think of the power words actually have. If thoughts have energy and our words are from our thoughts, than words would have energy too. Just by being careful about how we phrase things we can improve the chances of actually bringing the things we desire to fruition. When my friend used the term "if" he was basically telling himself that there was a chance he wouldn't get the equipment he wanted, by changing that if to a "when" he was telling himself it was pretty much a given that he would get the equipment but the date of its arrival had not been determined yet. Too cool!!
Try this with yourself and teach it to your kids too. Think about how you word things from now on, especially when it comes to your goals. Instead of saying my goal is to lose ten pounds, (remember what we lose we can usually find again) try saying I release ten pounds making it sound as if you have already done it. See how many ways that you can change your wording to a
much more positive message using the word I as much as possible.
Happy Goal Setting
Monicka
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Goal setting and imagination
To help your kids with their goal setting and goal achievement, it's a good idea to remember to encourage them to use their imagination.
It's important for children to learn to write their goals down on paper, but it is also crucial to remember that those goals need to truly move them inside.
So encourage your kids to play with their goals in their imagination and maybe tonight when you tuck your little one in, ask him to tell YOU a story about one of his goals!
Happy goal setting with your kids!
Cassie
It's important for children to learn to write their goals down on paper, but it is also crucial to remember that those goals need to truly move them inside.
So encourage your kids to play with their goals in their imagination and maybe tonight when you tuck your little one in, ask him to tell YOU a story about one of his goals!
Happy goal setting with your kids!
Cassie
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Why it is Better to be Kind than to be right
I tried an interesting experiment the other day. Rather than get upset with my husband when he did something that seriously perturbed me I decided to take the high road and explained I was not happy with what he did and left it at that. No yelling and screaming saying you did this... and you make me feel this... NOT this time folks. It never seemed to work in the past and it just left both of us feeling terrible. The next day I apologized to him for even getting upset in the first place, knowing full well I had every right and funny thing my husband even admitted to me that I had every right to be upset.
The next night I was feeling a bit tired and so announced that I was going to finish up the dishes and go to bed early and my hubby out of the blue said "Don't worry I will take care of the dishes you go to bed and I will handle everything else too." Will wonders never cease... So you see it is better sometimes to let things go and not make a fuss, a little forgiveness can go a long long way take my word for it. My new goal is to try and do that more often.
Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet which still clings fast to the heel that crushed it---Russian Proverb
Happy Goal setting
The next night I was feeling a bit tired and so announced that I was going to finish up the dishes and go to bed early and my hubby out of the blue said "Don't worry I will take care of the dishes you go to bed and I will handle everything else too." Will wonders never cease... So you see it is better sometimes to let things go and not make a fuss, a little forgiveness can go a long long way take my word for it. My new goal is to try and do that more often.
Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet which still clings fast to the heel that crushed it---Russian Proverb
Happy Goal setting
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Children, School, and Self-Esteem
A friend told me a story today that made my blood boil. She figured out one day that the books her child was reading at home were quite advanced but the books he was bringing home from school were far too easy for him. Strange! So, she goes to ask the school what is going on. And she finds out that the previous year, her son had lost a library book.
As punishment, his teacher, Mrs Dreadful (not her real name) had held him back a reading level and refused to advance him until his found the book.
I'm speechless! And it reminded me forcefully how important it is that our kids always know that we are in their corner.
We can't always protect children from Mrs Dreadfuls - and indeed they do need to learn at some point that there are some stupid and cruel people in the world, or they will have a horrific shock later in life - but we CAN and MUST always make sure that our kids know that WE LOVE THEM AND WILL SUPPORT THEM NO MATTER WHAT!
Don't let anyone undermine your children's ambitions or goals without making sure to remind them over and over that YOU believe in them!
Cyberhugs to you all,
Cassie
As punishment, his teacher, Mrs Dreadful (not her real name) had held him back a reading level and refused to advance him until his found the book.
I'm speechless! And it reminded me forcefully how important it is that our kids always know that we are in their corner.
We can't always protect children from Mrs Dreadfuls - and indeed they do need to learn at some point that there are some stupid and cruel people in the world, or they will have a horrific shock later in life - but we CAN and MUST always make sure that our kids know that WE LOVE THEM AND WILL SUPPORT THEM NO MATTER WHAT!
Don't let anyone undermine your children's ambitions or goals without making sure to remind them over and over that YOU believe in them!
Cyberhugs to you all,
Cassie
Monday, January 22, 2007
Positive Affirmations
As an experiment I asked my 10-year-old son to play guinea pig for 30 days to see if by listening to recorded positive affirmations each night for a month he would see any improvement in his self-esteem. Being a trooper he agreed to give it a go. At first I had to keep reminding him to listen but after awhile I noticed he was actually looking forward to his nightly dose of encouragement.
I didn't notice huge changes in him at first but slowly as the weeks went by he seemed to be becoming a happier kid all around. When we discovered he needed to wear glasses he seemed to accept it without too much fuss and even though I was worried that his classmates may tease him, they never did.
I have always been a believer in the power of positive affirmations and from the short experiment with my son I believe even stronger that making affirmations a habit will improve your life for the better and can even help you reach your goals.
With this in mind Cassie and I are thrilled to say that will soon be releasing an affirmations CD for children sometime in the very near future.. stay tuned!!
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
I didn't notice huge changes in him at first but slowly as the weeks went by he seemed to be becoming a happier kid all around. When we discovered he needed to wear glasses he seemed to accept it without too much fuss and even though I was worried that his classmates may tease him, they never did.
I have always been a believer in the power of positive affirmations and from the short experiment with my son I believe even stronger that making affirmations a habit will improve your life for the better and can even help you reach your goals.
With this in mind Cassie and I are thrilled to say that will soon be releasing an affirmations CD for children sometime in the very near future.. stay tuned!!
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
Sunday, January 21, 2007
The Gift of Self Esteem
Happy Sunday Everyone
While watching an episode of American Idol I couldn't help but cringe when a slightly overweight twenty something woman, dressed in a garish gold lame shirt, gave her rendition of the Pussy cat Dolls "Don't you Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me.” Here she was singing (if you want to call it that) her heart out in front of millions of people truly believing she had talent. I turned to my husband and asked him "What the heck was she spoon fed as a child to have the nerve to go on television when she was obviously tone deaf?" Where does confidence like that come from? Her Mother was at her daughter’s side witnessing the whole fiasco and when Paula asked her how she felt about her daughter's singing she proudly said, " I have always believed in her talent, but maybe she should have chosen a better song." Suddently I understood where all that self esteem had come from.
Do you see where I am going friends? Do you see the power we have as parents when it comes to how our children feel about themselves? By believing in them, they start to believe in themselves, how cool is that!! Few of us are lucky to have parents like that; but that shouldn't stop us from wanting that for our children. Let your children dream big!!! As Brian Littrell so aptly put it in this quote--- “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
Happy goal setting
Monicka
While watching an episode of American Idol I couldn't help but cringe when a slightly overweight twenty something woman, dressed in a garish gold lame shirt, gave her rendition of the Pussy cat Dolls "Don't you Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me.” Here she was singing (if you want to call it that) her heart out in front of millions of people truly believing she had talent. I turned to my husband and asked him "What the heck was she spoon fed as a child to have the nerve to go on television when she was obviously tone deaf?" Where does confidence like that come from? Her Mother was at her daughter’s side witnessing the whole fiasco and when Paula asked her how she felt about her daughter's singing she proudly said, " I have always believed in her talent, but maybe she should have chosen a better song." Suddently I understood where all that self esteem had come from.
Do you see where I am going friends? Do you see the power we have as parents when it comes to how our children feel about themselves? By believing in them, they start to believe in themselves, how cool is that!! Few of us are lucky to have parents like that; but that shouldn't stop us from wanting that for our children. Let your children dream big!!! As Brian Littrell so aptly put it in this quote--- “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
Happy goal setting
Monicka
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Activities with Your Kids
I was inspired earlier this week when a friend told me that he bought an electric guitar and is taking lessons - with all his kids!
How cool is that?! And what a great reminder of what a wonderful opportunity parents have to do something really special with their kids while they are small. It doesn't have to be something expensive, there are loads of fun hobbies that kids would love to do with you that cost NOTHING - like what? Collecting snail shells in the woods? Crafts using strictly recycled old household rubbish? Birdwatching? All it takes is a bit of imagination! :)
Happy parenting,
Cassie
How cool is that?! And what a great reminder of what a wonderful opportunity parents have to do something really special with their kids while they are small. It doesn't have to be something expensive, there are loads of fun hobbies that kids would love to do with you that cost NOTHING - like what? Collecting snail shells in the woods? Crafts using strictly recycled old household rubbish? Birdwatching? All it takes is a bit of imagination! :)
Happy parenting,
Cassie
Friday, January 19, 2007
Take a Moment
Happy Friday Everyone
Since I usually write my blog the day before I submit it I was surprised to find that I was at a bit of a loss as to what to write about for my Friday submission. It was not one of my best days as I woke up feeling not quite myself and it seemed to get worse as the day went on. I managed to do my workout which was amazing considering my frame of mind; but watching the soap I recorded earlier while I trudged along on the treadmill was a very welcome distraction since it gave me half an hour where I didn't have to think too much. I know what contributed to my sadness today was an interview I watched on Oprah where she interviewed Shawn Horbeck and Ben Onby's family. My heart ached for these boys and their parents knowing full well that their life from now on would never quite be the same again. With the accused Micheal Devlin pleading not guilty those poor boys will be subject to a trial and everything that they went through will be dredged up and they will have to relive the horror again. Where is the justice I ask you?
So as I tuck my children in tonight, thanking God that they are safe and well, I feel it is only right that I say a prayer for those two boy and their parents; and I hope that you will add them to your prayers too.
I am well aware that this blog is a little off theme but since I would normally write about how to realize our goals, why don't we all make it a goal to tell our kids how much they are loved and appreciated every day. I assure you they never tire of hearing it.
Finally take the time from your busy day to ask how your child's day went and you may be surprised at what they tell you. Keep the lines of communication open so that no matter what happens your child will feel like they can tell you anything.
Take Good Care
Monicka
Since I usually write my blog the day before I submit it I was surprised to find that I was at a bit of a loss as to what to write about for my Friday submission. It was not one of my best days as I woke up feeling not quite myself and it seemed to get worse as the day went on. I managed to do my workout which was amazing considering my frame of mind; but watching the soap I recorded earlier while I trudged along on the treadmill was a very welcome distraction since it gave me half an hour where I didn't have to think too much. I know what contributed to my sadness today was an interview I watched on Oprah where she interviewed Shawn Horbeck and Ben Onby's family. My heart ached for these boys and their parents knowing full well that their life from now on would never quite be the same again. With the accused Micheal Devlin pleading not guilty those poor boys will be subject to a trial and everything that they went through will be dredged up and they will have to relive the horror again. Where is the justice I ask you?
So as I tuck my children in tonight, thanking God that they are safe and well, I feel it is only right that I say a prayer for those two boy and their parents; and I hope that you will add them to your prayers too.
I am well aware that this blog is a little off theme but since I would normally write about how to realize our goals, why don't we all make it a goal to tell our kids how much they are loved and appreciated every day. I assure you they never tire of hearing it.
Finally take the time from your busy day to ask how your child's day went and you may be surprised at what they tell you. Keep the lines of communication open so that no matter what happens your child will feel like they can tell you anything.
Take Good Care
Monicka
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Goals and pushing kids too hard
It's easy to fall into the trap of pushing our kids a little too hard. Of course we want the best them and sometimes we get carried away with scheduling too many "helpful" activities.
It's important when we focus on goal-setting with our kids to ensure that they always have enough down-time - time to reflect and even be "bored" - this helps them keep an active imagination, which itself is great for goal achievement.
Check out this article on "slow down and smell the flowers" as a reminder of how important relaxation is for your children!
Happy goal setting with your kids!
Cassie
It's important when we focus on goal-setting with our kids to ensure that they always have enough down-time - time to reflect and even be "bored" - this helps them keep an active imagination, which itself is great for goal achievement.
Check out this article on "slow down and smell the flowers" as a reminder of how important relaxation is for your children!
Happy goal setting with your kids!
Cassie
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
How to Stay Motivated
Exercise for me has been a real lifesaver. It got me through bouts of depression gave me energy when it was sorely lacking and just plain made me look and feel better, so it only made good sense that one of the goals I set for myself this year was to keep a regular workout routine. The dilemma for me was how to stay motivated. I would be good to go for the first few days and then slowly but surely I would start coming up with excuses not to work out. Even though I knew intellectually that exercise added so many positive things to my life, that alone was not enough to keep me motivated. I had to find something that would give me the incentive to want to work out.
What worked for me was to tape a television program that I especially like and watch it while I am on my treadmill. It made the time go by really fast and I felt good because I could watch my program without guilt and also get the added benefit of a workout. For me it was win/win.
If you or your child is having problems with motivation, find something that works to keep you both on track. Do a bit of brainstorming to see what will keep you going when the going gets rough.
Finally, never force your child to work on his goals if he really doesn’t want to or he will grow to resent the whole idea. You can encourage him but never coerce or pressure him.
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
What worked for me was to tape a television program that I especially like and watch it while I am on my treadmill. It made the time go by really fast and I felt good because I could watch my program without guilt and also get the added benefit of a workout. For me it was win/win.
If you or your child is having problems with motivation, find something that works to keep you both on track. Do a bit of brainstorming to see what will keep you going when the going gets rough.
Finally, never force your child to work on his goals if he really doesn’t want to or he will grow to resent the whole idea. You can encourage him but never coerce or pressure him.
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sleep and Goal Setting with Your Children
There is plenty of evidence of a link between mood and sleep - and this relationship may be particularly significant for children. A new study published in the January 2007 edition of the Sleep Journal studied 553 depressed children in Hungary over a period of four years, and found that those children with sleep disturbances, including insomnia, had a longer history of illness and were more severely depressed than children without sleep disorders.
To help your children think positively and enjoy their goal setting, please make sure they get enough sleep!
These articles may help you:
teens and sleep
baby sleep problems
Happy goal setting with your kids!
Cassie
To help your children think positively and enjoy their goal setting, please make sure they get enough sleep!
These articles may help you:
teens and sleep
baby sleep problems
Happy goal setting with your kids!
Cassie
Monday, January 15, 2007
Goal Setting and Ways to Feel Good
Monicka touched on reminding your kids to feel good, and how feeling good helps us think positive and ultimately achieve our goals.
Teaching your children to find, value and practise ways to help themselves feel good is a wonderful gift you can give them.
Sometimes feeling better can be as simple as changing what we are doing with our bodies. If we're feeling sluggish, jumping up and down on the spot or skipping for just a few moments can turn us around.
Or what about teaching your child to "pretend like" he feels happy / energetic / good? How would you do that? Well just get him to change his body! Ask him to stand up straight like he does when he feels good, tell him to practise a great big smile, and move his body the way he does when he's feeling just FANTASTIC. Chances are, he'll start to FEEL happy inside!
Watch out for an upcoming newsletter in which Monicka and I are going to share some great techniques you can teach your kids for feeling good as they work on their goals!
Happy goal setting with your kids,
Cassie
Teaching your children to find, value and practise ways to help themselves feel good is a wonderful gift you can give them.
Sometimes feeling better can be as simple as changing what we are doing with our bodies. If we're feeling sluggish, jumping up and down on the spot or skipping for just a few moments can turn us around.
Or what about teaching your child to "pretend like" he feels happy / energetic / good? How would you do that? Well just get him to change his body! Ask him to stand up straight like he does when he feels good, tell him to practise a great big smile, and move his body the way he does when he's feeling just FANTASTIC. Chances are, he'll start to FEEL happy inside!
Watch out for an upcoming newsletter in which Monicka and I are going to share some great techniques you can teach your kids for feeling good as they work on their goals!
Happy goal setting with your kids,
Cassie
Happy Monday Everyone
There is a quote by Maya Angelou that goes like this, "When you know better, you do better." so it is with this in mind that I ended up having to edit an article called "Planting Flowers" from one of the kidsgoals newsletters. In it I mentioned that a very wise teacher told me that for every negative thought or weed in your mind you have to think about one hundred positive thoughts or flowers. I recently came across an article and after a bit of research realized that my teacher was not altogether correct.
While it certainly will not hurt to plant one hundred positive thoughts or flowers in your mind and could in fact be a very beneficial thing to do;it is not necessary. I now understand that negative thoughts themselves are low energy thoughts and a fleeting negative thought here and there will not do much damage to all the flowers you have planted thus far. Positive thoughts are higher in energy and much more powerful. It is only when the negative thoughts are deep rooted and strongly believed that they can do damage. If you are feeling positive about achieving your goals and you have one day where you start to feel a bit down and may start doubting that you will be successful you are still going to be OK.
Let your emotions be your gauge.Teach your child that if he is feeling bad he is thinking negative thoughts. If he is feeling good he is thinking positive thoughts. Show him that he can do something to make himself feel better immediately and thus change his low energy negative emotion to a much more productive one. He can think about someone he loves or he can watch a funny movie, read a funny story or listen to some uplifting music. You will both be amazed at how quickly that negative mood can change to a higher energy positive one and get him back on track with achieving his goals.
Be Happy
Monicka
There is a quote by Maya Angelou that goes like this, "When you know better, you do better." so it is with this in mind that I ended up having to edit an article called "Planting Flowers" from one of the kidsgoals newsletters. In it I mentioned that a very wise teacher told me that for every negative thought or weed in your mind you have to think about one hundred positive thoughts or flowers. I recently came across an article and after a bit of research realized that my teacher was not altogether correct.
While it certainly will not hurt to plant one hundred positive thoughts or flowers in your mind and could in fact be a very beneficial thing to do;it is not necessary. I now understand that negative thoughts themselves are low energy thoughts and a fleeting negative thought here and there will not do much damage to all the flowers you have planted thus far. Positive thoughts are higher in energy and much more powerful. It is only when the negative thoughts are deep rooted and strongly believed that they can do damage. If you are feeling positive about achieving your goals and you have one day where you start to feel a bit down and may start doubting that you will be successful you are still going to be OK.
Let your emotions be your gauge.Teach your child that if he is feeling bad he is thinking negative thoughts. If he is feeling good he is thinking positive thoughts. Show him that he can do something to make himself feel better immediately and thus change his low energy negative emotion to a much more productive one. He can think about someone he loves or he can watch a funny movie, read a funny story or listen to some uplifting music. You will both be amazed at how quickly that negative mood can change to a higher energy positive one and get him back on track with achieving his goals.
Be Happy
Monicka
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Bindi Irwin
Bindi Irwin - Kids, Goals and Passion
Bindi Irwin, 8-year-old daugher of Steve Irwin who was sadly killed last year, is a brave and passionate girl. She says she wants to be just like her Dad and work to help all kinds of wildlife.
It's beautiful to see a child with a real passion. And every child can be passionate about his or her goals. Why not talk to your child - and then REALLY listen - to try and learn what he truly cares about? Goal setting isn't about your kid finding ways to please you. Goal setting with your children is about helping them and supporting them as they find their own passions.
In memory of her father Steve I wish Bindi Irwin God speed with her passion and goals.
Cassie
Bindi Irwin, 8-year-old daugher of Steve Irwin who was sadly killed last year, is a brave and passionate girl. She says she wants to be just like her Dad and work to help all kinds of wildlife.
It's beautiful to see a child with a real passion. And every child can be passionate about his or her goals. Why not talk to your child - and then REALLY listen - to try and learn what he truly cares about? Goal setting isn't about your kid finding ways to please you. Goal setting with your children is about helping them and supporting them as they find their own passions.
In memory of her father Steve I wish Bindi Irwin God speed with her passion and goals.
Cassie
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Journaling
Happy Saturday Everyone
Still on the topic of goal setting, a good goal for you and your children to strive for is to keep a daily journal. Find a special notebook or purchase a diary with a lock if you prefer; and write down how you are feeling about life, people, your feelings etc. If you are having a bad day sometimes just by writing it out you can let it go. Some people find that journaling helps give them new ideas to help solve problems and insights into their life. If you make this a daily practice you may be able to see a pattern in your emotions that will show you what events trigger certain feelings. Two things to keep in mind:
Be honest- write exactly how you are feeling without pulling any punches. Hold nothing back. If you are angry and feel like telling everyone off than write it in your journal. That way you can get it out and not have to worry about the repercussions that follow after actually telling someone off.
Try to be in a relaxed state as possible- as with visualization and affirmations you will get the best results if you are relaxed. Find a place where you can go where you will not be disturbed and try to relax. While this is not always possible you could try deep breathing as mentioned in the last blog or by playing soothing music like classical, meditative or even nature sounds to help get you in the right mood.
Your child needs to know that the things he writes down are for his eyes only. A diary with a lock and key is a great surprise gift and will help your child feel that he can express himself without having to worry that he will get into trouble.
The journal will help get the worrisome thoughts out of your head and onto paper where it is easier to deal with them. You can go back and reread how you dealt with certain problems in the past and make it easier for you to deal with any problems that may come up in the future, an added bonus is that daily journaling will help hone you and your child's writing skills.
Monicka
Friday, January 12, 2007
Goal Setting for Kids
What about "failing"?
Kids can pick up a lot of negative thinking without us realising, and if your children are new to goal setting they may worry about "failing". So it's important to emphasize the useful belief that a lot of successful folks seem to subscribe to, that "there is no such thing as failure." It just doesn't compute for these people.
Teach your kids that when they are setting and working towards goals, there are actions and outcomes. They take an action, and something happens. That something is an outcome. It might be just what they intended, or it might be something else. But every single outcome can either be regarded as a success or as a valuable learning opportunity. If the outcome wasn't what your child wanted to happen, then he can learn from the experience and try something different!
Happy Goal setting with your kids,
Cassie
Kids can pick up a lot of negative thinking without us realising, and if your children are new to goal setting they may worry about "failing". So it's important to emphasize the useful belief that a lot of successful folks seem to subscribe to, that "there is no such thing as failure." It just doesn't compute for these people.
Teach your kids that when they are setting and working towards goals, there are actions and outcomes. They take an action, and something happens. That something is an outcome. It might be just what they intended, or it might be something else. But every single outcome can either be regarded as a success or as a valuable learning opportunity. If the outcome wasn't what your child wanted to happen, then he can learn from the experience and try something different!
Happy Goal setting with your kids,
Cassie
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Relaxtion
Happy Thursday Everyone
We have discussed visualization and other tools to help you realize your goals. Whether you using positive affirmations or visualization it is imperative that you are in a relaxed state in order for the subconscious mind to accept your suggestions. With most peoples lives (children included) being somewhat chaotic these days it is sometimes difficult to find a way to accomplish this. Deep breathing is a very good way to start. First, take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for the count of three and then expel it through your mouth like you are blowing away all your cares and worries. Do this three or four times and you will be amazed at how relaxed you will feel.
If you or your children are still having problems relaxing you can also try a nice essential oil like lavender to promote relaxation. Although some skeptics believe aromatherapy is anecdotal at best; I find that the smell of lavender works really well to get me in a more tranquil mood and I often use it when I am meditating. My son likes it so much that when he is worried about something and can’t sleep he asks me to put some on his pillow to help him nod off.
Happy Goal Setting
Monicka
We have discussed visualization and other tools to help you realize your goals. Whether you using positive affirmations or visualization it is imperative that you are in a relaxed state in order for the subconscious mind to accept your suggestions. With most peoples lives (children included) being somewhat chaotic these days it is sometimes difficult to find a way to accomplish this. Deep breathing is a very good way to start. First, take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for the count of three and then expel it through your mouth like you are blowing away all your cares and worries. Do this three or four times and you will be amazed at how relaxed you will feel.
If you or your children are still having problems relaxing you can also try a nice essential oil like lavender to promote relaxation. Although some skeptics believe aromatherapy is anecdotal at best; I find that the smell of lavender works really well to get me in a more tranquil mood and I often use it when I am meditating. My son likes it so much that when he is worried about something and can’t sleep he asks me to put some on his pillow to help him nod off.
Happy Goal Setting
Monicka
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Goal Setting Worksheet
A Goal Setting Worksheet for your kids
Hi everyone,
Nearly the middle of January already?! So hopefully we are all on the 'page' or worksheet even :) and are goal setting with enthusiasm.
To help small children get the idea of taking little steps in the pursuit of a goal, this goal setting worksheet uses the imagery of a ladder.
Hope it will prove useful!
Happy Goal Setting with your Kids!
Goal Setting Ladder
Goal Setting Worksheet
Hi everyone,
Nearly the middle of January already?! So hopefully we are all on the 'page' or worksheet even :) and are goal setting with enthusiasm.
To help small children get the idea of taking little steps in the pursuit of a goal, this goal setting worksheet uses the imagery of a ladder.
Hope it will prove useful!
Happy Goal Setting with your Kids!
Goal Setting Ladder
Goal Setting Worksheet
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Kid Goal Setting
Happy Tuesday Everyone
Another tool that you have in your arsenal of tricks to keep you on target with realizing your goals is positive affirmations. Affirmations are nothing new and have been used for centuries to change peoples’ lives for the better. Emile Couè was a French psychologist who developed a technique for his patients to follow where they would repeat the phrase "Every day and in every way, I am getting better and better," first thing upon awakening and before they fell asleep. The positive changes his patients experienced in their lives were nothing short of amazing!!!
This tried and true method can work for you too; but since you may have spent a lot of time listening to negative self-talk, don't expect to get results overnight. But if you persevere, trusting and believing in your positive affirmations the results will start to happen.
Write a positive statement on a card using large letters in bright colors. You can use Emile's little gem or better yet since we are dealing with goal setting you could write something like " I set goals and achieve them easily and effortlessly." Make it sound like something you would say and have your child do the same. After you write the affirmation out get in a relaxed state and repeat your affirmations for a few minutes especially first thing in the morning and before you go to sleep. Put the same statement on post it notes and stick them somewhere you are sure to see them such as on your bathroom mirror and have your kids do the same with their affirmations.
Happy goal setting
Monicka
Another tool that you have in your arsenal of tricks to keep you on target with realizing your goals is positive affirmations. Affirmations are nothing new and have been used for centuries to change peoples’ lives for the better. Emile Couè was a French psychologist who developed a technique for his patients to follow where they would repeat the phrase "Every day and in every way, I am getting better and better," first thing upon awakening and before they fell asleep. The positive changes his patients experienced in their lives were nothing short of amazing!!!
This tried and true method can work for you too; but since you may have spent a lot of time listening to negative self-talk, don't expect to get results overnight. But if you persevere, trusting and believing in your positive affirmations the results will start to happen.
Write a positive statement on a card using large letters in bright colors. You can use Emile's little gem or better yet since we are dealing with goal setting you could write something like " I set goals and achieve them easily and effortlessly." Make it sound like something you would say and have your child do the same. After you write the affirmation out get in a relaxed state and repeat your affirmations for a few minutes especially first thing in the morning and before you go to sleep. Put the same statement on post it notes and stick them somewhere you are sure to see them such as on your bathroom mirror and have your kids do the same with their affirmations.
Happy goal setting
Monicka
Sunday, January 07, 2007
When the Going Gets Rough
OK, you now have your goals written down, you have followed the advice on the KidsGoals website and have prioritized and categorized, promised to reward yourself and put it all down in a special notebook. You are raring to go, higher than a kite, totally psyched and nothing can stop you; but do you know the one thing that can bring you down faster than an elephant gun? In no uncertain terms the biggest deterrence to achieving what you set out to accomplish is negative self-talk. That's right, even more harmful than procrastination - and worse it can strike you when you least expect it. Picture this you are going along on your merry way and suddenly that mind of yours starts to contradict you. It silently leaks poison into your psyche telling you that you don't have what it takes to accomplish your goals; you haven't in the past so what makes this time different? If you let too many of those weeds of self-doubt take root you are doomed before you start. Luckily there is something you can do about it.
Try thinking from the end! Visualization is an incredibly powerful tool that we have at our disposal and can call on in a moment's notice. You see the subconscious mind cannot tell what is real and what is imagined so use that to your advantage and teach it to your kids too!!! Get a clear image in your mind of what your goal will look like. Picture and experience in your mind everything that you want to realize. How does it sound, look smell, what positive things are others saying as you stand there proudly saying, “Look what I did!!! “ You will probably find that your kids are even better at visualization than you are, but keep practicing it will get easier the more you do it and before you know it, the image will seem so real to you that you may even get emotional about it, which amazingly enough makes visualizing even more powerful. Your aim is to clearly see yourself accomplishing your goal while experiencing the incredible joy and satisfaction for accomplishing it. Now that's some powerful stuff. Can I hear a whoo hoo!!!
Try thinking from the end! Visualization is an incredibly powerful tool that we have at our disposal and can call on in a moment's notice. You see the subconscious mind cannot tell what is real and what is imagined so use that to your advantage and teach it to your kids too!!! Get a clear image in your mind of what your goal will look like. Picture and experience in your mind everything that you want to realize. How does it sound, look smell, what positive things are others saying as you stand there proudly saying, “Look what I did!!! “ You will probably find that your kids are even better at visualization than you are, but keep practicing it will get easier the more you do it and before you know it, the image will seem so real to you that you may even get emotional about it, which amazingly enough makes visualizing even more powerful. Your aim is to clearly see yourself accomplishing your goal while experiencing the incredible joy and satisfaction for accomplishing it. Now that's some powerful stuff. Can I hear a whoo hoo!!!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Kid Goal Setting and Rewards
Teach your child to reward himself every time he takes a step towards one of his goals!
Once your child is goal setting, it's really important that he gets into the habit of rewarding himself when he completes a step towards one of his goals. That helps the whole goal setting process to be fun and enjoyable, rather than a chore, and means he is more likely to incorporate goal setting into his life permanently as he grows up.
Your child can learn to reward himself in many ways - a favorite treat, a planned activity with a friend - encourage him to plan something nice for himself whenever he takes a baby step and soon he will be an accomplished, successful goal setter!
Happy Goal Setting with Your Kids!
Cassie
Once your child is goal setting, it's really important that he gets into the habit of rewarding himself when he completes a step towards one of his goals. That helps the whole goal setting process to be fun and enjoyable, rather than a chore, and means he is more likely to incorporate goal setting into his life permanently as he grows up.
Your child can learn to reward himself in many ways - a favorite treat, a planned activity with a friend - encourage him to plan something nice for himself whenever he takes a baby step and soon he will be an accomplished, successful goal setter!
Happy Goal Setting with Your Kids!
Cassie
Child Goal Setting
Goal Setting and Your Child's Routine
Young kids, like puppies, thrive on routine. When a child first arrives in this world everything is big and strange and potentially scary. A secure physical environment, and a regular routine, is a great base from which a child can safely explore this big world we live in.
So today I wanted to jot down a couple of ideas you could use to incorporate goal setting into your daily routine - which I imagine is already quite a full one!
1. Discuss goals over dinner - Dinner is often the only time that the whole family sits down and a great time for everyone to discuss their goals. It's as simple as remembering to talk to your child, like you already do about "what did you do at school today", about their goals. Just ask questions - and your child will do the rest!
2. Morning goal writing - if your child gets excited about the whole goal setting process, you could suggest writing out his goals each morning. This is NOT one to force - but if a child really gets keen he might love to do this and it's very powerful. Get him to write himself a little note saying "WRITE GOALS" and stick it to the bathroom mirror or even tape it to his toothbrush - that way he'll see the note every morning and then remember to write his goals out!
3. At bedtime story time, after you've read to your child, ask HIM to tell YOU a short story about one of his goals. What would it look like when it's achieved? Children have extremely powerful imaginations, and if you can get him into the habit of visualising his goals by telling you stories about them, he will be very successful!
Cassie
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Goal Setting
Happy Friday Everyone!
If you followed Tuesdays blog, you now have your scrap paper with your list of all the goals you wish to accomplish. Now we need to clarify our goal list a bit more.
Prioritize- You can do this either by a deadline- I want to accomplish ___ by this date? or by priority-- It is more important that I realize this before something else. You and your children need to decide which goals on the list are the most important to you. For you, for instance, paying the bills in a timely manner would definitely come before cleaning out the basement. The basement can wait a bit but the creditors won't. Let your kids decide on what is most important to them.
Categorize-Once you have figured out which goals you want to realize the next step is to decide on how much time you will give yourself to bring them to fruition. Without a deadline a goal is just a dream so make sure that you set (attainable deadlines) or it will all be just wishful thinking. Get a special calendar or, better yet a notebook, with lots of room to write and decide which are short and long-term goals that you intend to accomplish. Let your kids pick a special notebook themselves and have them decorate it to make it more personal.
Try to allow plenty of time for you and your kids to accomplish your goals and give yourself a bit of leeway for possible delays. This will give you and your children the needed confidence to realize that it is possible to accomplish all your goals and meet any deadlines without over stressing yourself.
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
If you followed Tuesdays blog, you now have your scrap paper with your list of all the goals you wish to accomplish. Now we need to clarify our goal list a bit more.
Prioritize- You can do this either by a deadline- I want to accomplish ___ by this date? or by priority-- It is more important that I realize this before something else. You and your children need to decide which goals on the list are the most important to you. For you, for instance, paying the bills in a timely manner would definitely come before cleaning out the basement. The basement can wait a bit but the creditors won't. Let your kids decide on what is most important to them.
Categorize-Once you have figured out which goals you want to realize the next step is to decide on how much time you will give yourself to bring them to fruition. Without a deadline a goal is just a dream so make sure that you set (attainable deadlines) or it will all be just wishful thinking. Get a special calendar or, better yet a notebook, with lots of room to write and decide which are short and long-term goals that you intend to accomplish. Let your kids pick a special notebook themselves and have them decorate it to make it more personal.
Try to allow plenty of time for you and your kids to accomplish your goals and give yourself a bit of leeway for possible delays. This will give you and your children the needed confidence to realize that it is possible to accomplish all your goals and meet any deadlines without over stressing yourself.
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
Brainstorming Ideas for Goal Setting with Your Kids
If your child is new to goal setting, you might well find that when you start to talk with him about it, he asks you what goals he should set.
Tempting though it might be to give him suggestions, it's really important for successful goal setting that your child comes up with his own ideas for his own goals!
If your child needs ideas for goal setting, why not suggest a simple brainstorm about "Things I Like". Have him draw a circle in the middle of a big, blank piece of paper and write in the circle "Things I Like".
Make sure he has lots of nice coloring pens and have him draw lines out from the circle and write what he likes - in single words where possible - on each line. For instance, he might write "Pets" on one line. Then he can draw more lines coming off the line with "pets" and write on each of those lines what specifically he likes - "Dog Walking", "Fish", etc.
Maybe one of his lines will even say "School" - then "Friends", "Science" etc. The important thing is that your child comes up with his own ideas! Try not to make suggestions, just to ask him questions if he needs some help.
Happy Goal Setting with Your Kids!
Cassie
Tempting though it might be to give him suggestions, it's really important for successful goal setting that your child comes up with his own ideas for his own goals!
If your child needs ideas for goal setting, why not suggest a simple brainstorm about "Things I Like". Have him draw a circle in the middle of a big, blank piece of paper and write in the circle "Things I Like".
Make sure he has lots of nice coloring pens and have him draw lines out from the circle and write what he likes - in single words where possible - on each line. For instance, he might write "Pets" on one line. Then he can draw more lines coming off the line with "pets" and write on each of those lines what specifically he likes - "Dog Walking", "Fish", etc.
Maybe one of his lines will even say "School" - then "Friends", "Science" etc. The important thing is that your child comes up with his own ideas! Try not to make suggestions, just to ask him questions if he needs some help.
Happy Goal Setting with Your Kids!
Cassie
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The First Step
Hello Everyone
By now are probably raring to go with your New Years Goals (notice how we no longer refer to them as resolutions) if you are still pumped about changing your life for the better then you must have a list of things that you want to realize. You do have all the power but if goal setting is a new thing for you my advice would be to start slow. Most people get excited and write down their goals and start the process full tilt only to find that in a few days they are wondering why they even attempted these feats in the first place. To avoid this you must devise a plan and give yourself ample time to realize it. You may even have to break down the bigger goals into smaller goals and the smaller goals into steps but in the end you will accomplish everything you set out for in the beginning without making yourself crazy.
So your first step is to write everything down, don't worry about what is going to take the longest or require the most energy or what is the most important to you, just make a list of everything you want to realize no matter how big or how small. Get your kids involved and have them make their lists too. Realizing your goals will be even more enjoyable if you get the whole family involved. So run and get a pen and paper and make your lists.
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
By now are probably raring to go with your New Years Goals (notice how we no longer refer to them as resolutions) if you are still pumped about changing your life for the better then you must have a list of things that you want to realize. You do have all the power but if goal setting is a new thing for you my advice would be to start slow. Most people get excited and write down their goals and start the process full tilt only to find that in a few days they are wondering why they even attempted these feats in the first place. To avoid this you must devise a plan and give yourself ample time to realize it. You may even have to break down the bigger goals into smaller goals and the smaller goals into steps but in the end you will accomplish everything you set out for in the beginning without making yourself crazy.
So your first step is to write everything down, don't worry about what is going to take the longest or require the most energy or what is the most important to you, just make a list of everything you want to realize no matter how big or how small. Get your kids involved and have them make their lists too. Realizing your goals will be even more enjoyable if you get the whole family involved. So run and get a pen and paper and make your lists.
Happy Goal setting
Monicka
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy New Year's Goal Setting
Happy New Year to you all! Monicka and I are very excited to be at the start of a brand new year and at the prospect of sharing with you all year round ideas for goal setting with your kids and other ways to help your children be successful and happy.
The kidsgoals parent newsletter is almost a year old and has been a real joy for us to write for you each fortnight - we hope you have enjoyed it too. This year we will continue the newsletter and ensure that new ideas and posts appear on the blog more regularly as well.
We are always keen to hear from you and welcome all your suggestions for topics you would like us to cover in the newsletter or any other suggestions on how KidsGoals can be a better resource for parents.
Happy Goal Setting with your kids!
Cassie
The kidsgoals parent newsletter is almost a year old and has been a real joy for us to write for you each fortnight - we hope you have enjoyed it too. This year we will continue the newsletter and ensure that new ideas and posts appear on the blog more regularly as well.
We are always keen to hear from you and welcome all your suggestions for topics you would like us to cover in the newsletter or any other suggestions on how KidsGoals can be a better resource for parents.
Happy Goal Setting with your kids!
Cassie
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