Mistakes teens make with short and long term goals

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in Goal Setting

Neurodivergent teens, including those with ADHD, autism, or learning differences, often experience unique challenges when it comes to goal setting. Many parents notice their child struggles to organize steps, estimate time needed, or shift between short and long term thinking. These challenges are not a sign of weakness but reflect the way your child’s brain processes information. By recognizing the specific needs of neurodivergent learners, parents can provide tailored support that turns mistakes teens make with short and long term goals into valuable learning moments. Building on your child’s strengths and using structure can help them feel more successful and less frustrated during high school.

Definitions

Short-term goals are targets your teen wants to reach in the near future, such as completing a science project this week or studying for a quiz.

Long-term goals are bigger milestones that may take months or years to achieve, like graduating with honors, preparing for college, or developing a new skill.

Mistakes Teens Make with Short and Long Term Goals: A Parent’s Guide

Within the first steps of adolescence, your teen will likely face mistakes teens make with short and long term goals. These stumbles are normal, especially for neurodivergent learners navigating busy schedules, shifting priorities, and their developing sense of independence. Understanding these mistakes can help you offer encouragement and practical solutions at home.

1. Setting Vague or Unrealistic Goals

Many teens set goals like “get better grades” or “be more organized,” but struggle to define what success looks like. This is a classic example of mistakes teens make with short and long term goals. Without clear, specific targets, it’s hard for your child to know when they have achieved something or to feel motivated along the way. Experts in child development note that neurodivergent teens may especially benefit from breaking goals into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, instead of “get better at math,” try “complete all algebra homework this week and review mistakes with my teacher on Friday.”

2. Overlooking the Connection Between Short and Long Term Goals

Another common pitfall is when teens focus only on immediate tasks or, on the flip side, only dream about the distant future. They may not see how today’s study habits connect to long-term ambitions like college or a chosen career. Many teachers and parents report that neurodivergent learners sometimes fixate on details or feel discouraged by goals that seem too far away. Help your child see that short-term goals are stepping stones to larger dreams. For example, completing this month’s book report builds reading skills needed for next year’s advanced classes.

3. Underestimating Time and Effort

Teens often believe they can accomplish more in a short period or misjudge how much time a big project will take. This leads to last-minute rushes, missed deadlines, and disappointment. Neurodivergent learners may find time estimation and planning even more challenging, which can add to their stress. Encourage your teen to use planners, timers, or checklists. Remind them it is normal to adjust plans and that learning how much time tasks require is a skill, not a flaw.

4. Forgetting to Celebrate Progress

Many teens get discouraged if they do not reach a long-term goal right away. They might overlook the progress made on smaller milestones. This is an important aspect of mistakes teens make with short and long term goals, as it can sap motivation and self-esteem. Celebrate small wins together, such as completing a study session or submitting a draft before the deadline. These moments build momentum for bigger achievements.

5. Not Adjusting Goals as Needed

Goals are not set in stone. Sometimes circumstances change, and what once seemed important may need to be revised. Some teens, especially those who thrive on routine, may resist changing a goal, even if it no longer fits. Model flexibility by discussing how adults adapt their plans and reassure your child that changing direction is part of growth, not a failure.

How Goal Setting Challenges for Teens Show Up at Home

Goal setting challenges for teens can appear in many ways: a neurodivergent teen might procrastinate on homework, avoid chores, or get overwhelmed by busy schedules. You might notice your child feeling stuck or anxious about where to start, or expressing frustration when things do not go as planned. Some teens might hyper-focus on one task and lose track of bigger priorities, while others may seem to drift from one idea to the next without follow-through. These patterns are common, and with the right support, your teen can learn to navigate them successfully.

High School and Short- vs. Long-Term Goals: What Parents Can Do

As your child advances through high school, the demands of academics, extracurriculars, and social life increase. Mistakes teens make with short and long term goals can become more noticeable during these years. Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Start with a conversation: Ask your teen about what matters to them in the next week, month, and year. Use open-ended questions and listen without judgment.
• Break big goals into smaller steps: If your child wants to improve grades, help them set a goal to spend 20 minutes reviewing notes each night, rather than just aiming for a higher GPA.
• Use visual supports: Calendars, sticky notes, or apps can help teens track progress and deadlines. This is especially helpful for neurodivergent learners who benefit from concrete reminders.
• Model flexibility: Share stories from your own life about changing plans or learning from setbacks. This reassures your child that it is okay to adjust goals as needed.
• Encourage reflection: At the end of each week, ask what went well and what could be improved. Celebrate effort and progress, not just results.

For more strategies, visit our goal setting resource page.

Parent Question: How Can I Tell if My Teen’s Goals Are Realistic?

It is natural to wonder if your child’s ambitions match their abilities and available time. Start by asking your teen to describe the steps they plan to take. If their plan seems too broad or lacks details, help them clarify what they want to accomplish and when. Encourage them to consider possible challenges and brainstorm solutions together. Remind your teen that it is better to start small and build up success than to aim too high and feel discouraged. If your child is neurodivergent, they may need extra help breaking down tasks or using reminders, and that is completely okay.

Expert Guidance: Why Mistakes Are a Normal Part of Growth

Experts in child development emphasize that making mistakes teens make with short and long term goals is part of learning for every adolescent. The teenage brain is still developing the executive function skills needed for planning and organization. For neurodivergent teens, these skills may develop on a different timeline or require more explicit teaching. Creating a supportive home environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities can build your teen’s confidence and independence over time.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands that every child’s journey with goal setting is unique. Our tutors work alongside parents and students to identify strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop step-by-step plans that work for neurodivergent learners. Whether your teen needs help with organization, motivation, or building self-advocacy, we are here to provide compassionate, individualized support. Together, we can turn challenges into growth and help your child find success at their own pace.

Related Resources

• How High School Students Can Set and Accomplish Their Goals
• “Ultimate Strategies for Effective Goal Setting for Kids: A Parent’s Guide” – LemonadeDay
• SMART Goals and Kids’ Mental Health – Kids Mental Health Foundation

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].