Mistakes students make with short and long term goals

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners with Goal Setting

Parents of neurodivergent children know that even small steps can take a lot of effort. When it comes to goals, many students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety face unique barriers. They might get stuck by perfectionism, lose track of time, or feel overwhelmed by too many steps. If you have noticed your child struggling to set or reach goals, you are not alone. Many parents in the neurodivergent community see the same patterns. With a little coaching, you can help your child build skills that work with their brain, not against it.

Definitions

Short term goals are tasks your child can achieve in a few days or weeks, like finishing a reading assignment or remembering to pack their backpack. Long term goals take more time and planning, such as improving math skills over the school year or building better social habits.

Understanding Mistakes Students Make with Short and Long Term Goals

When students set goals, especially in elementary school, they are learning what works for them and what does not. The phrase mistakes students make with short and long term goals describes the common missteps children face, from setting goals that are too big to forgetting to celebrate small wins. For neurodivergent learners, these mistakes can feel extra discouraging. Many teachers and parents report that children often set vague goals like “do better in math” or “be nicer to friends” without clear steps or timelines. This makes it hard to know if they are making progress, and can lead to frustration or giving up.

Why Do These Mistakes Happen?

Experts in child development note that young children, especially those who are neurodivergent, need coaching to break down big ideas into manageable parts. Some reasons for mistakes students make with short and long term goals include:

• Difficulty understanding time: Children may not grasp how long a goal should take. A goal like “learn all multiplication tables” might sound quick, but in reality, it may need months of steady work.
• Perfectionism or fear of failure: Neurodivergent learners might avoid setting goals if they worry about not reaching them perfectly.
• Lack of specific steps: Without clear actions, goals become wishes instead of plans. For example, “read more” is much harder to achieve than “read for 10 minutes after dinner each night.”
• Overwhelm from too many goals: Some students set too many goals at once, leading to stress and a sense that nothing is getting done.

Common Mistakes Students Make with Short and Long Term Goals

• Setting goals that are too vague: Instead of “be better at spelling,” try “practice spelling words for 5 minutes every school night.”
• Not breaking long term goals into smaller steps: A year-long goal can feel unreachable. Help your child divide it into monthly or weekly targets.
• Forgetting to celebrate progress: Many students focus only on the end result. Noticing each small win builds confidence, especially for neurodivergent learners.
• Comparing to others: Children may set goals based on what classmates are doing, not what works for them. Remind your child that everyone learns at their own pace.
• Relying on memory instead of reminders: Visual schedules, sticky notes, or checklists can help make goals more visible and easier to track.

Remember, mistakes students make with short and long term goals are a normal part of learning. With understanding and support, your child can learn to set goals that motivate instead of overwhelm.

Goal Setting Tips for Students in Elementary School

At this age, your child is still learning how to think about time and planning. Try these strategies to help your elementary schooler avoid common mistakes students make with short and long term goals:

• Make goals visible: Use a chart, calendar, or sticker system to track daily and weekly progress. This gives a sense of accomplishment and helps your child stay on track.
• Keep it simple: Choose one or two goals at a time. Too many can cause stress or confusion.
• Use concrete steps: Instead of “be more organized,” try “put homework folder in backpack every night before bed.”
• Discuss obstacles together: If your child did not meet a goal, talk about what got in the way and brainstorm new strategies. This teaches resilience and problem-solving.
• Celebrate effort, not just results: Praise your child for trying, even if the goal is not fully met yet. This builds motivation and confidence.

For more ideas, check out our goal setting resources.

How Can Parents Help with Goal Setting for Neurodivergent Learners?

Many parents wonder how to help their child avoid mistakes students make with short and long term goals without causing extra pressure. Here are some practical tips:

• Start with your child’s interests: Goals related to what your child enjoys are more motivating and less likely to feel like a chore.
• Model goal setting: Share your own goals and how you break them into steps. For example, “I want to read a new book this month, so I am reading one chapter each night.”
• Use reminders and routines: Visual cues, alarms, or regular check-ins can help your child remember what they are working toward.
• Be flexible: Sometimes a goal needs to change. Show your child that it is normal to adjust goals as you learn what works best for them.

Goal setting tips for students become even more effective when you involve your child in the process. Let them choose or adapt their goals, so they feel ownership over their progress.

What If My Child Gets Discouraged?

It is common for students to lose motivation or feel upset if progress is slow. Many teachers and parents report that neurodivergent learners are especially sensitive to setbacks. Remind your child that mistakes students make with short and long term goals are part of learning, not a sign of failure. Encourage small steps, celebrate each effort, and focus on what your child is learning about themselves along the way.

Building Skills for the Future

Learning to set and reach goals is a skill that will help your child long after elementary school. By being patient and supportive, you show your child that growth takes time. If you are looking for more support, our resources on executive function and organizational skills may be helpful as well.

Related Resources

• Does Goal Setting with Elementary Students Impact Reading
• Everything You Need to Know About Goal Setting for Students
• 7 Tips for Teaching Kids How to Set Goals

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that every child learns differently. Our tutors specialize in helping students build confidence, break down big goals, and celebrate each step. Whether your child needs help getting started or wants to learn new strategies, we are here to support your family’s journey.

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].