We want our kids to excel and strive to do their very best in all things.

Therefore, establishing concrete goals is a part of every successful homeschooler’s plan. And whatever educational goals you set, it is vital that you create the steps for your child to reach these goals.

Is there a subject or skill you want your child to master as part of his education? Maybe it's a foreign language, knowledge of Ancient history, or a musical instrument?

There will be some subjects which will be mandatory because your child needs to learn them, such as grammar and math, but others will be dependent upon your child's level of interest, such as studying art, music or sports. 

Whatever it is that your child is inclined towards, you want to be intentional in making this endeavor a priority in your child's life. We all reach plateaus in learning; but as parents, we have to help our children push through them.

State the goal, decide what steps your child needs to take to achieve it, and then build a plan to help him reach the finish line.  

Regardless of how busy you are, you ensure that your child studies this one subject or practices his skill as often as needed to reach optimal results.

Without a clear plan in place, your chances for your child reaching particular goals or mastery will be less. Our chance for success is always less when we are less intentional about it. 

One could even say that, apart from the factor of luck and fate, the degree to which we succeed is proportional to our level of intention. 

When you look at people who master a subject or skill, you will find they are intentional about their study. At some point during the learning process, they decide they want to become better than average, and they make a commitment to themselves to reach this goal.

These people become unstoppable.

It is perseverance and diligence that moves us beyond average and into a level of mastery. 

Juxtapose this to the person who says they want to be great at something, but never make a firm intention to become great. They become like a ship at sea with no rudder, and they never move beyond the mediocre.

Your child is capable of reaching great heights. Don't let him settle for mediocrity. Let him reach a level of proficiency in at least one skill; this will raise his standard for everything he attempts to learn or be in life. 

He will learn to aim high because he knows how high he can aim.

☞ Disclaimer: This is not a politically-correct blog.

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When you join the Smart Homeschooler Academy online course for parents of school-age children, we guide you in homeschooling with the classics to raise more intelligent children of a better character.

Enroll using the link below and feel confident knowing you have the guidance and support you need to homeschool successfully.

For parents of children under age seven who would like to prepare their child for social and academic success, please begin with our online course, Raise Your Child to Thrive in Life and Excel in Learning.

Elizabeth Y. Hanson is a homeschooling thought-leader and the founder of Smart Homeschooler.

As an Educator, Homeschool Emerita, Writer, and Love and Leadership Certified Parenting Coach, Elizabeth has 21+ years of experience working in education.

Utilizing her unusual skill set, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to raise and educate a child. She devotes her time to helping parents to get it right.

Elizabeth is available for one-on-one consultations as needed.

“Elizabeth has given us counseling and guidance to help us succeed with our home school planning. When I feel overwhelmed, scared, or lose my confidence, she offers words of wisdom and support.”

— Sherry B., Pittsburg, PA