The Kids Speak Out

5 Ways to Teach Kids to Set 2009 Goals

One of the most valuable exercise we adults can do is to teach kids to set goals and work to achieve goals.  Kids see this as a game, so to speak, and enjoy creating their goals. 

1)    Start kids about the age of 7 and above.  Kids younger than 7 should not be bothered with setting goals - let them play and be creative.  When kids start to school and learn about meeting homework deadlines; discipline getting up in morning and getting themselves ready for school before the bus comes, etc is a good time to start teaching about goals and deadlines.  They understand better because they experience some "routine" scheduling.

2)    Make a list of things kids are involved with; such as:  playing the piano; getting on honor roll at school; keeping their room clean;  being involved in sport activities; attending to their healthy bodies, etc.  It is important to only set goals for a 12 month length of time.  Don't go into the 3-5-10 year goal setting.  I even find that hard for me to figure out and achieve.

3)  Make goals reasonable for their age group.  A friendly reminder:  this is NOT your goals for your kids - this is their goals for themselves.  Try not to infuence too much.  Let it be simple and achieveable.

4) Write the goals down and tape them to their bathroom mirror.  For the younger kids, decorate with pictures/scrapbook things to make the goal setting attractive to them.  When they achieve one of their goals, be sure to celebrate with them. 

5) Ask them how they are doing to achieve their goals during the year.  You are to be their personal coach and ask them throughout the year "how are you doing on your goals?"  If they need to adjust one of their goals, let them do so.  Try your best to keep them from being discouraged. 

It is a gift you can give to your kids and teaching them a valuable lesson for their future life. 

Happy Holidays

  The Kids Speak Out sends our love and our appreciate to you and your families.  Happy Holdays!  If you are traveling - be safe.  We are looking forward to 2009 and planning out the new year in serving you and the kids of the world.   All of us may not celebrate Christmas; however, we all celebrate the beginning of a new year - so Happy New Year.  

Teenage Entrepreneurship

Teenagers have the foresight to see into the future and understand that having their own businesses is the key to their higher education and a prosperous future.

The Millennials (today's young people) are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship as both a way to earn money and a lifestyle. In addition to making money, entrepreneurs in their teens and 20's are insisting that they make their mark on society as well. This movement is becoming known as "Social Entrepreneurship."

Teens with a drive to be successful are now laying the groundwork for becoming very successful later in life.

Our teenagers are our best hope for the future. It's time to empower them and give them the tools necessary to succeed in our tumultuous world.

And, if your grades aren't the best, having a successful business may give you an edge to make the cut. It's much more impressive to say that you ran a business than it is to say you worked at J.Crew.

So, why would colleges care if you've run a business?

It shows that you have the creativity, leadership skills and vision to be successful in many facets of your life.

You've balanced school and work before. You've had some "real world" experiences that will allow you to add to the classroom environment.

Also, having a successful business makes you interesting. More and more colleges are adding Entrepreneurship programs and colleges hope that students with entrepreneurial experience will enhance all students' experience.

Are you ready for your baby to be an entrepreneur? It's a big jump for many parents. As your child grows into an adult, he or she will require greater independence. You can help your teen start his or her business in a number of ways.

Find out how teenagers worldwide have become successful in business. http://www.teenpreneur.khuebook.com

Mute the TV for the kids

Have you noticed if you "mute" the television the kids continue to watch the television?  I heard from a friend that her 5 year old son's favorite movie is in Spanish.  No one in her family speaks Spanish ever!  Her question is "is that weird?"  Of course not!  Kids watch the action of the program, not necessarily the verbal content. During homework time, we "mute" the television while my grandson does his homework and he is still sneaking a look at the television, even without the sound.

This relates to how kids learn from adults.  They watch us - not necessarily listen to what we say.  We can verbally go on and on relating to an issue and the kids have learned to "mute" us out; however, they watch our body language as we speak and comprehends more than we will ever know. The famous quote: "Actions speak louder than words" certainly remains true throughout the years.

Genetically testing Kids/sports greatness

Wall Street Journal. December 3rd, 9:15 am by San Francisco reporter Jim Carlton. 

"Parents' obsession over their kids' athetic skills never seem to end.  The latest case in point:  A report about a kit that tests kids to see if they have a certain gene that some say predicts sports greatness.  The goal: to help determine which sport a child is most likely to excel at."

Gag me with a spoon..or a cheek swab.  What a great idea it would be to test the adults to determine if they are genetically capable of being a great parent.  Can you imagine the pressure that would be applied to a kid if they were tested for a sport greatness and all efforts in life went toward directing the future of this kid?  I am in complete disagreement with a kid being tested for any greatness in life...let them discover and determine this on their own.  What do you think about this?