Help Your Child Make Dreams ComeTrue (NAPS)—Few joys are sweeter than seeing children fulfill their dreams, yet many kids just don’t know how to make it happen. For example, only 41 percent of adolescents have even thought a lot about their personal goals, and only 27 percent think it’s “very likely” that they can makea positive difference in the world, according to a national survey of American kids commissioned by Target Stores and the Tiger Woods Foundation. How can parents help? Here are some tips based on Start Something, a free educational youth program created by Target Stores and the Tiger Woods Foundation, to help kids 8 to 17 identify and achieve their dreams. Take plenty of time to help your child identify her dreams. You can start by asking her to makea list of particular talents, interests and hobbies. Help your child brainstorm by asking open-ended questions. For example, “If you could be anything that you wanted, what wouldit be?” Get your child thinking about how to makea positive difference. Ask him to think of some good deeds he might do for others as well as himself. Help your child choose a project that will put her dreams into action and help others as well. A project may be anything from giving a musical performance for a senior citizens’ center to helping kids with disabilities learn to use computers. Help your child figure out Start Something, a free educa- tional youth program, helps kids 8 to 17 fulfill their dreams. how to get started by asking what he thinksthe first step should be. Answers may include checking out schedules, getting adult help, or approaching people who can offer support. Whenthe project is complete encourage your child to shareit. You may even want to invite fam- ily and friends for an informal celebration. * Don’t forget to have fun. And remember the words of Tiger Woods, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Target Stores supports several initiatives that promote thearts, education and peace at home. Target Stores, along with its parent Target Corporation, gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. The Start Something program is available to schools, youth groups and individuals. Kids who participate can qualify for scholarships of up to $5,000. For more information visit target.com or call 1-800-316-6142.
