Hi there!   

As adults, we pour time and energy into goal-setting, vision boarding, and mapping out what we want from life—short-term wins, long-term dreams, and everything in between.

But when it comes to kids? It’s often more like, “Oh yeah, we’ll get to that eventually.” It feels less structured, less intentional. Today, we’re changing that!

Hi, I’m Lakshmi—your neighborhood laid-back parent. With the holidays just behind us and the new year ahead, there’s no better time to teach kids about goal-setting and the excitement of seeing their dreams take shape.   

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SMART goals = SMART(er) kids! 

2025 is here and it’s time to set some SMART goals, but first what are these?  

• Specific: Define exactly what the goal is. (e.g., “Score 85% on the next math test.”)

• Measurable: Add a way to track progress. (e.g., “Practice multiplication for 10 minutes daily.”)

• Achievable: Keep it realistic for their age and abilities.

• Relevant: Tie it to their interests to keep them motivated.

• Time-bound: Set a clear deadline to create urgency and accountability.

If you want to set SMART goals with your kids. START HERE! 

Help them identify and live their goals in 2025… 👏

It's easy to write goals for your pre-teens, but this time, make sure to have the talk first. 

1. Reflect on the Past Year

• Ask: “What’s something you’re really proud of from last year?”

• Ask: “Is there something you wanted to do but didn’t get the chance to?”
  This helps kids think about what worked and what they want to improve.

2. Explore Their Interests

• Ask: “What’s something you love doing and want to get even better at?”

• Ask: “Is there something new you’d like to try?”
  Tie goals to their hobbies and passions to keep them motivated.

3. Break It Into Categories

• Learning Goal: “What’s something you’d like to learn this year?”

• Personal Goal: “How can you be an even kinder friend/sibling this year?”

• Fun Goal: “What’s something fun you want to do this year?”

Set timelines for your goals ⌚

Goals without a deadline are just wishful thinking! Setting a timeframe helps your kids stay on track and feel that “I did it!” moment when they reach their target. 

For example, instead of just saying, “Get better at reading,” try “Read two books by the end of March.” It’s simple, clear, and gives them something to work toward. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to teach them time management early on! ⏳

Build a Reward System That Works 🏆

Rewards make goal-setting even more exciting for kids! Ask them, “What would make you excited to finish this goal?” 

Then set small rewards for hitting milestones and a bigger one for completing the goal. For example, after a week of practicing piano, they could earn extra screen time, and finishing a full song might mean a fun family outing. 

The key? Keep the rewards meaningful and tied to their interests—it’ll keep them motivated and engaged all year long! 

Learn how to set up a reward system that truly works for your kids! 

Fun activity we want YOU to try 🎀

Turn goal-setting into a fun vision boarding night with your kids! 

Grab stickers, magazines, and markers, and let them create a masterpiece of their 2025 dreams—like a soccer ball for making the team or books for reading more. 

Display it proudly as a daily reminder of their goals. It’s simple, creative, and something they’ll love! ✨

A short tutorial for YOU. 

That’s all for this issue, parents! Let’s make 2025 a wholesome and fun year for us and the kids… 💗

And it’s a wrap, but before you leave, don’t forget to check this out… ⬇️👀

Inside the Laid-back Parent’s Internet History this week: 

Note for My Fellow Laid-Back Parents 📧

Let’s be real—the holiday season is magical, but it’s also a lot. The endless shopping lists, late-night wrapping sessions, hosting duties, and trying to make everything perfect can leave you feeling completely wiped out. Sound familiar?

If you’re starting the New Year feeling more tired than refreshed, it’s time to hit pause. Take a moment for yourself—whether it’s sneaking in a quiet coffee before the chaos begins, journaling your thoughts for 10 minutes, or even stepping outside for a quick walk to clear your head. This might help!!  

Here’s to new beginnings, brighter days, and a truly Happy New Year! 🎊

Catch you next time, 

Lakshmi (Chief of Chill Parenting)