Kids Don’t Just Need Dreams. They Need Direction
Every January, adults set goals, make resolutions, and talk about “fresh starts.” But many times, we forget something important. Kids need vision too. Not pressure. Not perfection. But intentional direction.
Our kids are growing up in a world that is loud, distracting, and constantly pulling at their hearts. If we don’t help them learn how to aim their lives toward Jesus, culture will gladly set their priorities for them.
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
That applies to children too.
Why Goal-Setting Matters for Kids
Goal-setting isn’t about performance. It’s about discipleship. When we sit down with our kids and help them think about the year ahead, we teach them a couple of things.
- Their life has purpose
- God cares about their choices
- Growth doesn’t happen by accident
- Small, faithful steps matter
- Jesus wants to be part of the plan
We’re planting seeds of responsibility, consistency, and surrender. And honestly, we’re modeling something they’ll carry into adulthood. They are learning to invite God into the details.
Dream With Them. Don’t Decide For Them
Some parents either take control and write the goals for their kids or leave their kids completely on their own. Neither is discipleship. We’re called to coach, not control. Guide, not dominate. Sit with them. Listen.
Here are some questions that are helpful to ask:
- “What do you want God to do in your heart this year?”
- “Is there something you want to get better at?”
- “How do you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus?”
- “What do you want to practice more at home?”
- “Who do you feel God wants you to love better this year?”
Let them speak first then gently help shape the goal. This teaches them, “My voice matters and God cares about my future.”
Help Them Form Goals in Every Area
Kids don’t only grow spiritually. They grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Jesus cares about all of it. Try helping them set 1–2 goals in each area. Goals such as:
SPIRITUAL
- Pray daily
- Read one verse each day
- Worship instead of complaining
- Journal what God is speaking
- Invite a friend to church
CHARACTER
- Practice gratitude
- Speak kindly to siblings
- Tell the truth even when it’s hard
- Serve without being asked
RELATIONSHIPS
- Show respect at home
- Be kind to the kid who sits alone
- Write encouragement notes
LIFE SKILLS
- Keep their room tidy
- Help cook one meal a week
- Finish homework before screens
These aren’t rules. They’re training moments.
Make the Goals Measurable and Root Them in Grace
A goal like, “Be better at reading the Bible” is vague. But a goal like, “Read one verse every night before bed” is simple, specific, and doable.
And here’s the key is when they miss it (because they will), remind them, “Goals help us grow. They don’t decide our worth.” We’re shaping hearts, not building robots.
Pray Over Their Goals
Once you’ve written them down, don’t just tape them to a wall. Help them to pray over them together.
Something simple like, “Jesus, these goals belong to You. Help us grow this year.”
Now the goal isn’t just motivation. It becomes partnership with God.
Why This Matters
When we help our kids set goals anchored in Jesus, we are teaching them how to live intentionally rather than reactively.
We are telling them:
- You’re not too young to hear God
- God has plans for you
- You’re responsible for your choices
- Growth happens when we’re intentional
And most importantly, “Your life belongs to God, and it matters.” This is why it’s worth the time to sit down, talk, write, and pray.
Final Thoughts
Parents, don’t let another year come and go without leading your kids into intentional growth. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be present.
Ask the questions. Guide the process. Pray over their dreams. Because kids who learn to dream with God don’t just chase success. They learn to chase purpose. And purpose creates unshakable kids.
Unshakable kids. 