SMART goals are specific and clear goals that are realistically achievable and work towards larger, long-term positive changes for you and your child. Each letter in SMART goals stands for:
S = Specific (What exactly is the goal?)
M = Measurable (How will you and your child know the goal is achieved?)
A = Achievable (Can the goal be reached within your current situation?)
R = Relevant (Why does this goal matter?)
T = Timeframe (When will you know that this goal is accomplished?)
Here is an example of how to use SMART goals:
Grandma Margarat and Granddaughter Neveah are working through separation anxiety.
Grandma Margarat and Neveah would like to begin working towards Neveah feeling comfortable and okay attending After School Program at the Health Center without Grandma
being there. They both work together to form the following SMART goal:
Specific: Neveah needs to feel comfortable and okay being without Grandma Margarat at After School Program from 3-4pm.
Measurable: Neveah will successfully stay at After School Program by herself for the full hour. Progress will be tracked by practice (pretend) drop-offs , with Grandma staying for lesser and lesser time.
Achievable: This is achievable as Neveah and Grandma will have time to adjust to this change.
Relevant: This goal matters because it helps Neveah become more independent and gives Grandma some relief.
Timeframe: Three-week time frame, beginning with Grandma staying for thirty minutes, then twenty minutes, then ten minutes, then dropping off and leaving.
Source: kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/mental-health-resources/mental-wellness/smart-goals-for-kids
