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| Developed by Betty Ann
Broman former Consumer and Family Economics Specialist, University
of Missouri Extension |
Relationship to building
strong families
Busy families can fall into the
trap of moving from event to event or crisis to crisis. If they are not
careful, they spend time and money without stopping to think about
long-term needs. This may not result in an immediate problem, but over
time, a lack of planning or goal setting can waste resources.
When families work together on short and
long-term goals, they are more likely to accomplish the things that are
really important to them. Strong families work on their common goals
together and support each other’s individual goals. Reaching goals
contributes to a sense that changes in behavior are possible.
Brief program description
This session will help participants
identify the things that are really important to them and to their
families. It will provide tools that participants and their families can
use to take charge of their own lives and turn their dreams into
achievable goals.
Research findings
Research indicates that families
who establish both short and long-term goals are more likely to achieve
those things in life that are important to them. Families who set goals
manage their overall finances better than families who do not. They are
also better able to communicate with each other when personal goals
compete for resources or interfere with shared family goals.
Research also shows that the more control
individuals feel they have over their lives, the greater their sense of
well-being. Setting and reaching goals helps individuals take greater
control of their circumstances. This sense of being in control helps
individuals feel better about themselves. When an individual feels better,
it can be contagious and increase overall family well-being.
Once set, goals strengthen the family’s
ability to function and live their dreams. Strong families recognize that
goals shift and change over time and understand the importance of
revisiting and renegotiating priorities when new circumstances arise.
Goals and objectives
- To recognize the connection between
dreams and achievable goals;
- To understand the importance of breaking
goals down into manageable steps;
- To identify one important personal goal
and break it down into achievable steps;
- To design a reward system to celebrate
achievement of steps and ultimate goals;
- To discuss personal and family goals
with other family members.
Target audience
Working families with children
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