Parent strategies for setting goals with struggling learners

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Struggling Learners at Home

Many parents of struggling learners feel uncertain about how to help their children set and achieve meaningful goals. If you have noticed your child feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, avoiding homework, or losing confidence in their abilities, you are not alone. The journey of supporting a struggling learner is filled with emotional ups and downs, but there are proven strategies to help your child thrive. This article is dedicated to parent strategies for setting goals with struggling learners, offering support and solutions tailored to your unique family dynamic.

What Are SMART Goals for Students?

SMART goals are a well-known framework that helps students create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. With struggling learners, these criteria provide structure and clarity, making success feel more possible and less overwhelming. For example, instead of “do better in math,” a SMART goal could be “complete all math homework assignments on time for the next two weeks.”

Why Do Struggling Learners Benefit from Goal Setting?

Experts in child development note that goal setting helps children develop a sense of control and accomplishment. Many teachers and parents report that when struggling learners have clear, achievable goals, their motivation and self-esteem improve. Goal setting also teaches important life skills like planning, persistence, and celebrating small wins. By using parent strategies for setting goals with struggling learners, you create an environment where setbacks are viewed as opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up.

Parent Strategies for Setting Goals with Struggling Learners (Practical Steps)

The phrase parent strategies for setting goals with struggling learners may sound complex, but it is built on simple, supportive actions you can take at home. Here are concrete steps to get started:

• Start with a conversation: Ask your child about their feelings and frustrations with school. Listen without judgment and reassure them that struggles are normal.
• Break goals down together: Use the SMART framework to set one or two small, clear goals. Involve your child in picking which area to focus on first.
• Make a visual tracker: Create a goal chart or checklist. Many children find it motivating to see their progress visually—stickers, colored boxes, or simple checkmarks work well for all ages.
• Set up regular check-ins: Schedule a time once a week to review progress, talk about challenges, and adjust goals if needed. This consistency helps your child feel supported and accountable.
• Celebrate effort, not just results: Praise your child for trying, sticking with it, or asking for help, not only for the final outcome. Recognizing perseverance keeps motivation high.

Grade Band Focus: SMART Goals for Homeschool Learners

Homeschooling offers flexibility, but it can also make goal setting feel less structured. Here are ways to tailor SMART goals to different grade levels for struggling learners at home:

• Elementary (Grades K-5): Keep goals concrete and short-term, such as “read aloud for 10 minutes each day” or “finish one science project this month.” Use lots of visuals and daily reminders.
• Middle School (Grades 6-8): Involve your child in choosing goals, like “complete all assignments this week without missing any” or “organize my study space every Sunday.” Encourage them to reflect on what works and what does not.
• High School (Grades 9-12): Help your teen connect goals to longer-term interests, such as “raise my math grade by one letter by the end of the semester” or “prepare for the SAT by completing three practice sections each week.” Focus on self-advocacy and planning.

Homeschool parents often notice that struggling learners benefit from seeing their progress over time, so revisit and update goals regularly to keep them relevant and motivating.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Setting Goals for Struggling Learners

• Setting goals that are too broad or ambitious: Overly large goals can feel impossible and lead to frustration. Start small and build up.
• Not involving the child: Children are more likely to stay motivated when they help set their own goals.
• Focusing only on weaknesses: Include goals that highlight your child’s strengths and interests.
• Forgetting to celebrate progress: Acknowledge every step, no matter how minor it may seem.
• Lack of consistency: Skipping check-ins or changing goals too frequently can make it hard for your child to see progress.

Parent Question: How Do I Motivate My Child When They Want to Give Up?

It is common for struggling learners to feel discouraged, especially if progress is slow. If your child wants to give up, try these strategies:

• Empathize first: Let your child know you see how hard they are trying and that it is normal to feel frustrated.
• Break the task down further: Sometimes goals are still too big. Make each step even smaller and more manageable.
• Model resilience: Share a story about a time you faced a challenge and how you kept going.
• Offer choices: Give your child some control over which goal or step to focus on next.
• Connect effort to interests: Tie the goal to something your child cares about, like a favorite activity or long-term dream.

Remember, parent strategies for setting goals with struggling learners are most effective when parents stay patient and flexible. Every child will have good days and hard days, but your encouragement makes a lasting difference.

Building Habits: The Power of Routine and Accountability

Establishing routines helps struggling learners know what to expect. For example, setting aside a specific time each day for homework or reading creates predictability and reduces anxiety. Accountability can be gentle, such as reviewing the goal chart together or talking through what went well and what could be improved during your weekly check-in. If your child is motivated by rewards, work together to decide on small, meaningful incentives for meeting short-term goals.

Involving Teachers, Tutors, and Other Support Systems

You do not have to do this alone. Teachers, tutors, and learning specialists can provide valuable feedback about what is working and where your child might need extra help. Share the SMART goals you have set with these professionals so everyone can work together to support your child. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, coordinate goals to align with accommodations and supports already in place. You can also find more strategies and advice by exploring our goal setting resources.

What If My Child Has Learning Differences or Neurodivergence?

Children with ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences may need extra support to set and achieve goals. Break goals into even smaller steps and use visual supports, reminders, or checklists. Adjust timelines as needed, and remember that progress may look different for every child. When using parent strategies for setting goals with struggling learners, celebrate effort and creativity as much as traditional academic success. The most important thing is to keep communication open and maintain a positive, hopeful attitude.

How Can I Help Struggling Students Set Goals That Stick?

To help struggling students set goals, focus on what motivates your child personally. Let them have a say in which goal to work on, and explain how meeting the goal will benefit them. Practice self-reflection together by asking what went well and what could be better. Over time, your child will learn to trust their own ability to set and reach goals, even when challenges arise.

Definitions

Struggling learner: A student who faces ongoing challenges with schoolwork, organization, or motivation, often needing extra support to succeed.

SMART goal: A goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, designed to increase success and clarity.

Related Resources

• Identifying Goals – Overcoming Obstacles
• SMART Goal Setting With Your Students – Edutopia
• Boost Online Learning: SMART Goals for Middle Schoolers

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring understands the unique needs of struggling learners and their families. Our tutors work alongside parents to set personalized goals, build confidence, and create lasting learning habits. Whether you are just starting out or need extra support, we are here to help your child reach their full potential one step at a time.

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].