Key Points:
- 71% of parents set resolutions or personal objectives, with varying timelines such as New Year’s (25%), the commencement of the academic year (9%), or birthdays (8%).
- Mothers (47%) were more inclined than fathers (35%) to establish objectives to modify aspects of their parenting.
- Parents who set objectives noted enhancements in their parenting abilities, with 74% affirming that the objectives contributed to their growth as parents, and 85% acknowledging a positive impact on their child’s attitude towards objectives.
- Common parental objectives included fostering patience (78%), reducing screen time (56%), enforcing consistent discipline (47%), and prioritizing health for their child (52%).
- A notable percentage of parents (53%) indicated that their children aged 11 to 18 set personal objectives, supported by parental encouragement through celebrations (70%), collaborative efforts (58%), progress monitoring (52%), financial assistance (51%), and incentives (44%).
A significant proportion of parents with children aged 0 to 18 years expressed that establishing objectives for themselves and endorsing their children’s objectives has contributed to enhancing their parenting skills, as per the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
The poll delves into parental perspectives on setting objectives concerning their children across various domains, from New Year’s resolutions to promoting healthier snacks.
Conducted in August 2023, the poll report is derived from a nationally representative household survey involving a randomly selected, stratified sample of parents with at least one child aged 0 to 18 years (n = 2044).
The majority of polled parents (71%) confirmed their practice of making resolutions or setting personal objectives. Among these parents, 25% set objectives during New Year’s, 9% at the onset of the school year, and 8% on birthdays.
Regarding gender disparities, nearly half (47%) of mothers disclosed setting objectives to refine their parenting approach, whereas 35% of fathers articulated intentions to adjust their parenting strategies.
Of those who established parenting objectives, 74% acknowledged the transformative impact of these objectives on their parenting skills, while 85% recognized a ripple effect on their child’s dedication towards achieving objectives.
Enhancing patience with their child emerged as a prevalent objective among parents (78%). Additionally, 56% aimed to reduce screen time, 47% aspired to maintain consistent discipline, and 52% endeavored to adopt healthier habits for their child.
Health considerations featured prominently in the survey, with 52% of parents striving for improved health for their child. Furthermore, 48% expressed intentions to provide healthier meals and snacks, and 37% aimed to engage in physical activities with their child.
Comparatively, more mothers prioritized exercising with their child and offering healthier snacks than fathers (41% vs. 30% and 55% vs. 38%, respectively).
Parents of children aged 11 to 18 years revealed that 53% of their children had established personal objectives, such as achieving academic excellence or enhancing school performance (68%).
In other domains, 52% of parents noted their child’s pursuit of activity-based objectives, 43% mentioned exercise-related objectives, 40% highlighted financial goals, and another 40% emphasized goals related to dietary habits and nutrition.
The poll underscored that children aged 15 to 18 years exhibited a higher propensity for setting objectives concerning healthy eating and exercise, while those aged 11 to 14 years demonstrated a proclivity for exploring new experiences.
Parental support for their child’s objectives was also scrutinized, with 70% of parents acknowledging celebrations for their child’s progress. Additionally, 58% of parents reported active participation in their child’s goal pursuit.
More than half of parents (52%) engaged in monitoring their child’s progress towards objectives, 51% extended financial aid, and 44% offered incentives upon goal attainment.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital emphasized the efficacy of specific strategies such as scheduling and utilizing productivity tools to bolster the achievement of self-set objectives for both parents and children.
For younger children, goals are recommended to be relatively short-term, transitioning from a broad concept to a specific target for facilitation.
Ultimately, these methodologies and the report underscore the significance of cultivating goal-setting skills early on, enabling children to derive pride from the process as much as the outcomes.
Reference:
Resolving to be involved: Goal-setting for parents and kids. C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. Press release. December 18, 2023. Accessed January 31, 2024.