Be S.M.A.R.T

Consider applying these five principles offered by Jen A. Miller in the NYTimes when setting goals for your or your child's behavior. The article relates to New Year resolutions but can be applied to all those things we wish to target for change in ourselves or our children. A word of advice in applying these: BE KIND; we are all works in progress.

SMART

Specific: Set concrete, clearly defined goals with specific points of success.

Measurable: Whatever the goal is, find ways to measure progress.

Achievable: Aim high, but within reason. Your goal should be a stretch, but something you could actually achieve.

Relevant: Find a goal that matters enough to you that you’ll be motivated to stick with it.

Time-bound: Set a reasonable timeline for your goal, and focus on the small wins along the way.