As an adult, having goals is a very important thing. Taking the time to work out what you want to work towards is a great key to reaching things in your life that you either want or want to achieve. But this is something that even us adults are still learning. I know even I have moments when I wish I had saved more, or not made silly decisions, if I had only known what I know now.

So here’s a thought. What if us parents now, knowing what we know, start helping our children realise the importance of setting goals for themselves while they are young. What about we start helping them set goals and then help them reach their goals.

Start with something small. A toy that they’ve been asking for. Maybe a new dress or a subscription to their favourite magazine. Then show them how to reach it. Maybe you’re ok with them earning more pocket money if they do more around the house. Maybe they help cook the dinners instead of just waiting for you to put it on the table. Maybe they ask friends and family if they can do anything to help them, to earn a bit of money towards their goals.

Through doing this with them, it will show them how if they work hard, they can achieve things that they want in life. It will help them push to work harder. It will make things possible instead of feeling impossible. It will help them think twice before spending their money on little things that don’t last and will turn into larger and larger goals and dreams as they get older.

So take some time to put something in place with your children. Get them excited with some ideas of things to work towards. And then make sure they reach those goals. They need to know that hard work pays off, and then enjoy the reward of what they have achieved.