Setting goals, personal or professional, is a great way to lead a purposeful life. Many times these goals include things like buying a house, maintaining a successful career or saving for retirement. But what about setting goals as a parent? Here are a few questions for parents (or soon to be parents) to consider as they begin setting their own parenting goals:
- Do you want parenting to be a priority in your life? Is time alone or with your friends more important than reading a book to your child? Be intentional about the time that you spend with your child/children.
- What do you want to achieve as a parent? What kind of parent do you want to be? What memories do you want your children to remember as they grow up? If your childhood was not positive, consider what changes you can make as you raise your own children.
- How will you balance parenting and your relationships? Are you taking care of you? Are you taking time to be with your spouse? Taking time for the other relationships in your life can help you be a better parent and shows your child/children what healthy relationships look like.
- Do you reflect the qualities you want your child/children to value? Do your actions match your words? Parents are the first and primary educators of their children. IF you are a parent, take time to consider what values and priorities you want to teach the next generation.