We set goals for so many things, and often our Family Goals get lost among all the other priorities. This is how setting Family Goals can make you a better parent!

How to set family goals in the same way you would other goals in your life… How to break down your family goals so reach them everyday. Also, how to set deadlines and reflect on your progress.

This is an eye opener for anyone who has the goal to spend more time with their family, or accomplish things for their family.

This is a sponsored post for the PROSPR Planner. We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

 

 

I love to write things down. I am a list maker and a planner to the core.

When I can see things written on paper (in fun, colored pen, of course), I feel like I get my thoughts organized and focus.

I also looove trying different planners. So, when I found the PROSPR Planner, I was intrigued by the strong focus on family.

This undated planner has so many unique features that help you remember what really matters, narrow down your focus, and always make time for gratitude.

It’s not just a planner and productivity tool, it’s a life-changing way to view your real priorities.

How setting goals can make you a better parent

One of the things that struck me with this planner is that some of the sample goals relate to simple family activities.

We may list our family as our “why” or have a goal to spend more time with our family…

…but, often, it’s the end goal and not thought of as the way to get there.

I find myself setting a goal of making or saving money so that we can have experiences as a family. I see the goal as a way to take more vacations as a family or be able to sign our children up for plenty of activities.

However… the ultimate goal is to spend time together as a family.

If that’s the case… 

It makes more sense to focus on smaller goals that involve time together as a family.

Setting a goal of spending 30 minutes of undivided time and attention with our children each day, or 5 days a week, is better than waiting until that undetermined time of when you’ve saved enough to take a big vacation.

 

Start parenting like it’s your job

There are definitely people out there who get this, I’m sure.

This planner just sparked a change in my mindset, and I guarantee others need this change as well.

How often have you used a planner for business or those busy to-do list and calendars?

Have you ever thought of treating your family goals the same way?

 

Set Mini Goals

If your goal, like mine, is to spend quality time with your family and your children, it makes sense to make a point to do that right now.

Saving up for vacations or activities will take a while, which is exactly why we should create smaller goals to spend quality time with our kids right now.

For me, I’m setting the goal to take each kiddo for a special mother/child day this month.

Something out of the ordinary. Just one kiddo and me, alone. Something that we plan and put on the calendar so it is sure to happen.

In addition, I’m scheduling blocks of time that are purely devoted to family.

There are so many smaller goals that will help with your larger goal for more family time

• 30 minutes unplugged time with kids
• Family game night
• Prepare dinner as a family
• Parent/child dates
• Home improvement projects with the kids included
• Create a special reading nook and read together
• Go for a hike
• Make a bucket list with the kids and find something to do each month or week

 

Give yourself deadlines

I’m one of those people who work better at the last minute. If I don’t give myself a deadline, things can drag on forever!

I mean, who doesn’t clean the best in the 10 minutes before someone comes over?

As I mentioned before, my goal is to take each kiddo on a special mother/child day before the month is out. I’m also setting smaller goals for each day or each week.

This journal has a section just for family moments, so it’s a reminder each day about what is really important.

If you consider your family your “why” make sure you’re putting your family right up there with the other tasks you need to accomplish.

Make family a priority as important – or more important – as any other deadline.

Treat family time as another task you must complete and put a deadline on it. Write it in your planner and commit to that quality time or creating those special moments.

Using a time-block technique to finish tasks, schedule time for family right into your day.

For me, I have family time marked for 4pm after the kids get off the bus and settled. The phones go away and the work set aside.

Usually, I’m finishing up things I was working on before they got home and going right into prepping for dinner. However, I’m changing things around and blocking time to prep dinner before the kids are off the bus so it will be quicker to prepare and give us time to spend together.

 

Reflect

At the end of the day, look back on how it went and if you were able to get those moments with your family.

Ask yourself if you stuck to your goals and practice gratitude for the little moments.

Also, remember to give yourself some grace. Families are dynamic and things will always come up or change.

I’m sure there will be days when the kids have their own ideas of what they’d like to do during the time I carve out for them. I’ll consider it a success if I can just give them some undivided attention while I ask about their day.

I’ll do my best to set the intention to let them know I care and make sure they feel how important they are to me

There are afternoons when it is complete chaos after school. The kids are cranky, no one can seem to get along, and there’s not much that can turn that around. However, there are always good moments in there.

When you take apart those moments and find the good, it can be great for your mindset.

Reflecting helps you find what works the best for you and your family. See how it goes and make changes from there.

If you concentrate on what you have to be grateful for and make note of successes and failures, you’ll have an idea of what to do tomorrow.

Write it down. Give yourself something to think about logically as you would a task at work.

Find a journal or planner that works for you

I got thinking about family goals in this way because I found a great planner.

I’ve been a planner addict forever, but mostly used it for work or household goals. I wasn’t looking at it the right way.

Having a planner that has specific sections for family moments, time blocking, gratitude, and reflection is so helpful!

I feel like my eyes have been opened to what is really important and where my priorities should be placed.

The PROSPR planner is fantastic for anyone, especially those who consider family a top priority.

Check out the video that explains the planner in detail.

There are places to set long-term goals and create a vision board. The larger goals then get split into smaller goals.

You also list your top three priorities for the day. and have a section to time-block your tasks and give yourself deadlines.

There is a lot of room for gratitude and reflection. There is a space for morning and evening gratitude. There are lines to list your 3 successes and 3 failures for the day. There is also a large open space to add ideas and thoughts. Finally, there is a specific portion that reminds you to plan ahead and fill out tomorrow’s objectives today.

 

Do you set family goals?

If you do set family goals, do you treat them as you do other goals and priorities?

 

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