Goal setting is the most important lesson any child can learn to lead a more successful life. Perseverance is a close second. Both of these lessons are important to children with or without attention difficulties. As a parent, you can help your ADHD child by teaching how to set goals and have the perseverance to see the goals through. Here are some steps you can teach your child about setting goals:

• Find an existing example of your child’s goal-setting skills and problem solving strategies. If your child has “leveled up” on a video game or has saved money for a big purchase, ask your child what it felt like to accomplish his or her goal. Use this example as a reminder to your child about the powerful feelings of accomplishment.
• Sit down with your child and help him or her to decide on a new goal, such as reading a book or doing well on an upcoming exam. It’s best to start with small goals at first so your child doesn’t become overwhelmed. You can move on to big goals later.
• The final decision about the goal should come from your child. Once a goal is decided upon, write the goal down and place it in a prominent location, for example, on the refrigerator or on a wall in the child’s room.
• Assist your child in writing down a series of steps to achieve the goal, for instance, “Study for an hour every night,” or, “Put in extra time at soccer practice.”
• Help keep your child on track with the goal, and also be there for your child when things don’t go exactly as planned. Children tend to be unrealistic when it comes to how hard it is to achieve a goal. Tell your child that this is a learning experience and that it’s okay to fall short.

Throughout every goal-setting experience with your children, applaud their efforts and encourage them. Say things like, “I’m impressed with your effort,” and, “Keep up the good work!” Also teach your children that every goal is a journey with high points, low points, and all points in between. They key is for your child to be persistent no matter what comes his or her way.