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5 Simple Steps to Help Kids Reach Goals

The most trusted method for goal setting is the SMART method, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound goals. We’ve broken the SMART goals tips into 5 easy-to-follow and kid-friendly steps below so you can use this system to crush goals as a family!

Dig Up Details

As your child decides on a goal, remind them to be specific and add details. For example, instead of a goal like, “Learn to bake better,” they can add details like the specific skills or recipes they want to master, such as, “Bake and ice a triple-layer cake by myself.” Being specific can help kids stay focused. Parent’s Part: Give kids a chance to come up with a goal on their own. Offer guidance if your child is stuck, such as suggesting environments like goals for school, but let them decide on the specifics.

Plan for Progress

Just stating a goal won’t hold anyone accountable if there aren’t clear markers for measuring progress. For kids, encourage them to make a plan to showcase their progress. If we’re using the baking goal as an example, the plan to show progress could be: “I will bake a triple-layer cake for my family.” Parent’s Part: The best way to support progress with SMART goals for kids is to model it for them. Talk about the New Year resolutions and goals you set and share about your progress with confidence and joy.

Stack Success

Even if goals for kids are specific, they can still seem intimidating. Help your child break goals into smaller steps. These steps can be thought of as “goal blocks” that will stack up to help kids reach a bigger goal. For example, “goal blocks” for our baking example could be:

Practice baking a single-layer cake
Practice icing layers of cake
Make a test triple-layer cake
Make the final triple-layer cake for the family

Parent’s Part: Help your child see that even if a goal seems big, breaking it down into little steps can make it possible to achieve.

Consider Challenges

Once all the “goal blocks” are laid out, encourage your child to consider if any challenges make this goal unrealistic right now. Will schedules conflict with the work that needs to be done? Is it a goal that might need to wait until they’re a little older or bigger? Parent’s Part: Be careful not to squash your child’s dreams. Adults can be guilty of telling our kids their ideas are too big, so simply help ensure their goal is age-appropriate and safe.

Tackle a Timeline

Help kids reach every “goal block” with a timeline that keeps their goal and every step in between time-bound. Set reasonable deadlines for each step so that kids have a step-by-step plan to reach their bigger goal. You can even make it visual with this Kid-Spiration board activity! Parent’s Part: Discuss the importance of visualizing goals for kids to achieve them. Explain that seeing each step clearly makes goals easier to work toward. Let us know how your family New Year resolutions go. We hope this 5 step SMART goals template makes goal setting for kids easier so all their 2024 dreams can come true!

Frequently asked questions

What comes in a Baketivity baking kit?

Each Baketivity baking kit includes pre-measured dry ingredients, easy step-by-step instructions, and fun educational activities designed for kids. Our recipes are created to help children learn real kitchen skills while baking something delicious with their family.

Do I need to buy additional ingredients?

You may only need to add a few fresh ingredients like eggs, butter, or milk, depending on the recipe. Most of the dry ingredients come pre-measured in the kit, making baking simple, convenient, and mess-free for kids.

What equipment do I need to use the baking kits?

Most families already have everything they need at home. Typically you'll need mixing bowls, a whisk, fork or spoon, measuring cups, and a lined baking pan. Some recipes may also require a microwave-safe bowl or oven.

What age are Baketivity baking kits best for?

Baketivity baking kits are designed for kids ages 4–16. Younger children may need a little help from a parent, while older kids can follow the instructions more independently and build confidence in the kitchen.

Do your baking kits contain nuts?

Nuts are not directly included in the recipes or ingredient lists. However, some components may be produced in facilities that also process nuts, sesame seeds, soy, and gluten, so trace amounts may be present.

Are Baketivity baking kits kosher?

Yes! All ingredients included in Baketivity baking kits are OU-certified kosher, and our facility is FDA-approved, so families can bake and enjoy their treats with confidence.

My ingredients feel hard or clumpy. Is that normal?

Yes! Our ingredients are vacuum-packed to keep them fresh, which can sometimes make them feel firm or clumpy. Simply open the bag and give it a shake, and the ingredients will loosen up and be ready to use.