Let Family Goal Setting Be Easy: How to Start (Even If January Is Already Flying By)

Is it just me, or is January flyyyyyyying by?

One minute we’re easing out of the holidays, and the next, the calendar is already demanding packed lunches, routines restored, and life is busy, yet again! As you may know, I was on Breakfast Television earlier this month talking about setting goals as a family. If you missed it, I completely understand. There is so much going on right now, and January has a sneaky way of disappearing before we’ve even had a chance to catch our breath.

That’s exactly why I'm writing this blog.

Because right about now, most parents tend to fall into one of three places - see below where you recognize yourself:

Place 1: Busy Season 😮‍💨

You are busy. Really busy. The kids are back at school. Work has ramped up again. Activities, emails, and responsibilities are piling back on. And for the first time in weeks, you may finally have a bit of mental space to focus on something other than holiday meals, family gatherings, and festive chaos.

Goal setting as a family sounds like a great idea… but also like something you’ll “get to” once things calm down.

I get it. Truly.

Last year, my family and I didn’t even start our goal-setting sheet until mid-January. I was recovering from a massive cold, and simply getting through the days felt like enough. I remember thinking, Well, so much for starting the year off right.

But here’s what I learned: starting later didn’t make it less meaningful. If anything, it made it more realistic. We approached it with clarity instead of pressure, intention instead of perfection. And that made all the difference.

Place 2: Overwhelmed Season😩

Maybe you’re not just busy, you’re overwhelmed.

When you hear words like family meetings, values, and goal setting, it feels like yet another thing you’re supposed to be doing as a “good parent.” Another checkbox on an already impossible list.

You might be thinking:

• We can barely get through the week as it is.

• My kids won’t sit still for this.

• This sounds great in theory, but not for our family.

If that’s you, I want you to pause for a moment.

Because family goal setting is not about adding more to your plate. It’s about gently aligning what you’re already doing with what actually matters to you. It’s not about perfect conversations, colour-coded planners, or hour-long family meetings.

It’s about creating small moments of connection, clarity, and shared direction.

And those moments don’t have to be complicated to be powerful.

Helpful Hint: Start small.... even if it means you simply download and print the Goal Setting Sheet right now.  
Then, when you have your morning coffee, or afternoon tea - you take 5-10 min to fill out this sheet.
That means, clear yourself of distractions (including your phone) and align yourself with your future self by prioritizing you... even if it's just for a couple of minutes each day for the next week!
It can get done... I believe in you. 

Place 3: Fresh Start Season 😃

Maybe you're hearing this for the first time, or maybe this is landing for you right now, at exactly the right (and divine) time.

The dust has settled. The holidays are behind you. And something in you is ready to start the year differently. Not perfectly. Not forcefully. But intentionally.

You’re craving more ease.
More connection.
More teamwork in your family.

You want less nagging and more cooperation.
Less chaos and more calm.
You want to raise kids who feel included, heard, and confident about where they’re going, no matter their age. 

If that’s you, I’m so glad you’re here. And, it's incredible to know you're open to doing this!
Nothing great was ever accomplished without some intentional effort.

Wherever You Are, I Want You to Know This

It’s not too late.
It doesn’t have to be hard.
And sometimes, you just have to start somewhere. ✨

Family goal setting is not a one-time event you either “do right” or fail at. It’s a living, breathing practice that grows with your family. And the beauty of it is that even the smallest start can create meaningful change.

I’ve seen the benefits of this over and over again (in my own home and) with the families I support.

Benefits

For parents: You start to confidently lead your family. You're intentional and are aligned with creating the family life you've always envisioned. Instead of reacting to a busy family life, you have a shared compass to return to when things feel out of sorts.

For children: When children feel included in conversations about values and goals, something shifts. They feel a sense of ownership. They feel purposeful and they begin to understand that their voice matters and they are a very important team member. 

For the family: Cultivating a team frame work where everyone plays an important part. It creates clarity, a sense of belonging and excitement for the future. 

Why Family Goal Setting Actually Works

This isn’t about raising high achievers or creating pressure-filled expectations. In fact, it’s the opposite.

When done simply and intentionally, family goal setting:

• Strengthens connection and communication

• Builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness

• Helps kids feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings

• Encourages responsibility without shame

• Creates a sense of “we’re in this together”

And perhaps most importantly, it helps parents lead with confidence instead of constant second-guessing.

Your kids don’t need you to have all the answers. They need you to model reflection, intention, and flexibility. They need to see that growth is a process, not a performance.

Let’s Make This Easy

If you’ve been thinking, This sounds nice, but I still don’t know where to start, I’ve got you.

No matter where you are at right now, here’s what to do next:

1️⃣ Download the Goal Setting Sheet.
This is the exact tool I use with my own family. It’s simple, approachable, and designed to meet you where you are. Get yours here.

2️⃣ Watch the Breakfast Television segment where I explain it.
I walk through how to use the sheet in a realistic, pressure-free way that actually works for families. You can find that interview here.

3️⃣ Book a quick Free Connection Call. ☎️
If you want support baby-stepping your way into this new (and powerful) family tradition, I’m here. We’ll talk through your unique family dynamic and how to make this work without overwhelm. Simply click here.

A Gentle Reminder

Let it be easy.
Lead your family without the overwhelm.
And know that you don’t have to do this alone.

Parenting can be hard. There’s no denying that. But with some support, guidance, and compassion, it doesn’t have to feel so heavy.

I’m here to walk alongside you, cheer you on, and remind you that you’re doing better than you think.

With tremendous warmth and compassion,
Natalie 🥰