Setting SMART New Year’s Resolutions for Your Family with an ABA Mindset
The start of a new year is a time of reflection, hope, and fresh beginnings. It’s also a great opportunity to set meaningful goals for your family or your child’s progress. At Joyscape Therapy, we believe in creating resolutions that are not only inspiring but also actionable and achievable. Using the SMART method—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—we can set your family up for success while keeping the process stress-free and rewarding.
Here’s how you can use the SMART method, with an ABA mindset, to create meaningful resolutions this year.
What is the SMART Method?
The SMART method breaks down goal-setting into five key components:
Specific: Define the goal clearly.
Measurable: Set criteria to track progress.
Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic.
Relevant: Ensure the goal aligns with your family’s values and needs.
Time-bound: Assign a deadline to stay focused and motivated.
By applying these principles, we can transform broad ideas like “I want my child to communicate better” into actionable steps like “My child will use a 3-word request independently during snack time 4 out of 5 days within 2 months.”
How to Create SMART Resolutions with an ABA Mindset
1. Start with What Matters to Your Family
At Joyscape Therapy, we always ask, “What’s most important to your family?” This ensures your goals are meaningful and relevant. When goals connect to what truly matters, you’re more likely to stay motivated and see long-term success. For example, if mornings are chaotic, a resolution might focus on establishing a smoother morning routine.
Why start with family priorities?
Every family faces different challenges and values different outcomes. For one family, bedtime routines may be the most stressful part of the day. For another, it might be improving communication skills or fostering independence during meal times. By identifying what matters most, you can create resolutions that address real needs and improve your family’s quality of life.
Example of a Relevant Goal:
If mornings are chaotic, a resolution might focus on establishing a smoother morning routine. For example:
Big idea: “I want my child to get ready for school with less stress.”
SMART goal: “My child will complete three steps of their morning routine (brushing teeth, getting dressed, and putting on shoes) independently with no more than one verbal prompt, 4 out of 5 mornings for two weeks.”
Focusing on specific family priorities makes the process feel manageable and rewarding. It also allows you to target areas where small improvements will have the biggest impact. Remember, what matters most to your family is what drives meaningful progress!
2. Break Big Goals Into Manageable Steps
Big goals are exciting but can feel overwhelming. ABA encourages breaking tasks into smaller, teachable components. This approach ensures that progress is achievable and that each small success builds confidence and momentum.
Why break goals into steps?
Large goals often involve multiple skills that need to be learned one step at a time. By focusing on manageable chunks, you reduce frustration for your child and yourself. This step-by-step method makes learning feel attainable and creates opportunities to celebrate progress along the way.
Example of Breaking a Big Goal Into Steps:
Big Goal: “My child will dress independently every morning.”
Step 1: “My child will put on their shirt independently 4 out of 5 mornings for 2 weeks.”
Step 2: “My child will put on their pants independently 4 out of 5 mornings for 2 weeks.”
Step 3: “My child will put on both their shirt and pants independently with no more than one verbal prompt 4 out of 5 mornings for 2 weeks.”
By breaking the goal into smaller steps, you can target specific skills like fine motor coordination, sequencing, or following multi-step directions. You can also adjust each step based on your child’s progress, ensuring they feel supported without being overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Use visual aids like picture schedules or videos to demonstrate each step. For example, a morning routine chart with images of getting dressed can help your child know what to do next.
This method transforms big goals into achievable milestones, making the journey smoother and more rewarding for everyone involved.
3. Incorporate Positive Reinforcement
A hallmark of ABA is celebrating progress. Pairing resolutions with reinforcements that motivate your child or family can make goals more engaging and fun to achieve. Positive reinforcement doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive—it just needs to align with what your child finds rewarding and meaningful.
What does positive reinforcement look like?
Positive reinforcement can take many forms, from tangible items to simple acts of recognition. The key is tailoring it to your child’s unique preferences and interests. Here are some examples:
Verbal Praise: Be specific about what you’re celebrating. Instead of just saying “Great job,” try, “You did an awesome job using your communication board to ask for more snacks!”
Preferred Activities: Use activities your child loves as a reward. For instance, if they enjoy playing with bubbles, offer bubble playtime after successfully completing a goal.
Token Systems: Create a token chart where your child earns a token (like stickers or stars) for each step toward a goal. Once they collect a set number, they can exchange them for a larger reward, like a favorite outing or extra screen time.
Social Rewards: A big hug, high-five, or even a cheer can go a long way in making your child feel celebrated and motivated.
How to use reinforcement effectively:
Make It Immediate: Reinforce the behavior as soon as it happens. For example, if your child transitions independently using a visual schedule, give them praise or a small reward right after the transition.
Be Consistent: Ensure the reinforcement is delivered each time the desired behavior occurs, especially in the beginning stages of building a new habit.
Keep It Varied: Rotate reinforcers to keep things exciting. For example, one day it might be extra time with a favorite toy, and another day it could be a special story at bedtime.
Budget-Friendly Reinforcement Ideas:
A “choice pass” where your child picks what’s for dinner or which game to play.
Extra time at the park or a nature walk.
A family movie night with popcorn at home.
Creating a homemade reward, like a “You’re a Star” certificate or a custom badge.
Special one-on-one time with a parent, like baking cookies or playing a favorite board game.
Example of Positive Reinforcement in Action:
If your goal is for your child to say “please” when making a request, you could reinforce this behavior with a sticker and enthusiastic praise like, “That was so polite! Let’s put a sticker on your chart!” Over time, these small moments build intrinsic motivation while fostering positive habits.
By incorporating positive reinforcement, you’re not only encouraging goal-oriented behaviors but also creating a supportive and joyful environment that celebrates effort and progress at every step.
4. Monitor Progress and Be Flexible
Data is central to ABA, and it’s just as valuable when tracking resolutions. Use simple tools like charts or apps to monitor progress. If a goal feels too challenging, adjust it to keep it achievable and rewarding.
Monitoring progress not only helps you see how far you’ve come but also allows you to adjust goals as needed to ensure success. Flexibility is key—life happens, and goals may need tweaking to keep them realistic and attainable.
How can you monitor progress effectively?
Use Visual Tools: Create simple progress charts, sticker boards, or even use apps to track your child’s achievements. For example, if your goal is for your child to complete a morning routine with fewer prompts, check off each successful task on a chart. Seeing progress visually can be motivating for both you and your child.
Log Data Regularly: Keep a quick journal or use a digital note app to jot down when your child reaches a milestone or encounters a challenge. It doesn’t have to be detailed—just a sentence or two will help you notice patterns and trends over time.
Celebrate Plateaus: Progress isn’t always linear, and plateaus are normal. If your child seems stuck, take time to review and adjust the goal. It’s an opportunity to brainstorm creative solutions or break the goal into smaller steps.
Why is flexibility important?
Flexibility ensures that goals remain achievable and stress-free. For instance:
If your original timeline feels too short, extend it. It’s okay to adjust a time-bound element if it allows for steady, sustainable growth.
If the goal seems too challenging, break it into smaller steps. For example, if “brushing teeth independently” proves tricky, start with “holding the toothbrush for 30 seconds” before building up.
Celebrate attempts, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. If your child partially completes a task, that’s still progress!
Example of Flexibility in Action:
Let’s say your child struggles with using a communication device during snack time, which is part of your SMART goal. Instead of sticking rigidly to the device, adapt by allowing them to use verbal prompts or gestures. Once they feel more confident, gradually reintroduce the device in smaller, more manageable steps.
By monitoring progress and staying flexible, you create an environment where your child feels supported, not pressured. This approach makes goal-setting a collaborative, adaptive process—one that celebrates effort and growth while making room for life’s natural ups and downs.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be celebrated. We encourage families to acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. Celebrating small wins helps reinforce positive behaviors, keeps motivation high, and makes the journey enjoyable for both children and parents.
What does celebrating small wins look like?
Celebrations don’t have to be grand or expensive to be meaningful. The key is to make your child feel proud and acknowledged for their efforts. Here are some practical and budget-friendly ways to celebrate small wins:
Verbal Praise: A simple, heartfelt “I’m so proud of you!” can go a long way. Be specific about what you’re praising: “Great job putting your shoes on all by yourself!”
Sticker Charts: Create a visual way to track progress. Let your child place a sticker on a chart for each success. When the chart is full, it can lead to a small reward like extra playtime.
Special Privileges: Offer something your child enjoys that costs nothing, like choosing the next family game, picking a favorite bedtime story, or getting extra screen time.
Mini Dance Parties: Celebrate a win with a quick, fun dance session to your child’s favorite song. It’s joyful and costs nothing!
Homemade Certificates: Make a “Great Job!” certificate or a badge using craft supplies you have at home. Your child will love the recognition.
Themed High-Fives: Give creative high-fives like “snowflake high-fives” or “rocket ship fist bumps” to make praise feel unique and fun.
For example, if your child independently transitions to the dinner table using a visual schedule for the first time, you might clap and say, “Wow! You followed your schedule perfectly. Let’s add a sticker to your chart!” Over time, these moments build confidence and keep the momentum going.
By celebrating small wins consistently, you show your child that their efforts matter and that growth is something to be proud of. It’s a simple yet powerful way to turn progress into joy!
Caregiver Self-Care
Don’t forget to celebrate your own wins as a caregiver! Setting and achieving goals with your child is hard work, and you deserve recognition, too.
Take a moment to reflect on your progress.
Treat yourself to a coffee or a quiet walk.
Connect with other parents for support and encouragement.
You’re making a difference, one step at a time!
SMART Goal Examples for Families
Here are a few examples of SMART resolutions you can use as inspiration:
Specific: "My child will learn to use a visual schedule."
Measurable: "My child will transition to the next activity with a visual schedule with 2 or fewer prompts 4 out of 5 days."
Achievable: Start with one transition and build up.
Relevant: Helps reduce transition-related tantrums.
Time-bound: "Within 6 weeks."
Specific: "Improve our family mealtime routine."
Measurable: "Our family will eat together at the table for at least 15 minutes 3 times a week."
Achievable: Start with small increments of time.
Relevant: Encourages connection and communication.
Time-bound: "By the end of February."
Specific: "Encourage my child to express preferences."
Measurable: "My child will use a choice board to select snacks or activities 3 times a day with no more than 1 verbal prompt."
Achievable: Start with familiar choices.
Relevant: Builds functional communication.
Time-bound: "Within 1 month."
Final Thoughts
New Year’s resolutions can be powerful tools for creating positive change, especially when guided by the SMART method. At Joyscape Therapy, we’re here to support you in turning those resolutions into actionable goals that align with your family’s needs and values.
Here’s to a year filled with progress, connection, and fun—because learning should always bring joy! Let’s make this a season to celebrate growth together
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Let’s make 2025 a year of meaningful growth and progress together!
