AJ Community

November 18, 2009

My Gym offers goal-setting tips

Each day, people set goals for ourselves—and may not even realize it: a goal to wake up at certain time in the morning, a goal to complete a certain project and even a goal to exercise more regularly throughout the week. In that same respect, children should learn at an early age how to set goals—and how to achieve them, according to Dana Edwards of the My Gym Center in Scranton.

“Learning how to set and achieve goals doesn’t just teach a child to finish something they start,” Edwards said. “It teaches them responsibility, it boosts their self-esteem and it makes them a better person overall. In recognition of National Kids Goal Setting Week in November, we want to promote the benefits of teaching children how to set goals, and we want to provide local parents with tips on how they can incorporate this life skill right in their homes.”

National Kids Goal Setting Week, which took place Nov. 9 to 14, is designed to help adults understand children’s talents and to equip them to lead a life full of meaning and direction. Communities nationwide use the campaign as an opportunity to promote goal setting in schools, child-related nonprofit organizations, youth sports leagues and other groups.

Edwards said the My Gym Center in Scranton is offering the following tips in an effort to show parents how to help their children set goals:

Start small. Setting little goals for your children, such as teaching a younger child to brush his or her teeth when first waking up in the morning, having a teenager complete his or her chores by a certain time of day or even teaching children to eat all their food before dessert time can lead to setting bigger goals.

Get them to think smart. Teaching children to make goals about their education is a starting point for them to make similar goals as they get older and head to college. And, later they will use these skills when establishing their careers. Here is a suggestion: Encourage a child to choose a book to read and have him or her set a goal of reading one book every two months, along with his or her schoolwork. Of course, the time period can be changed based on their schoolwork volume. The important thing is to just set a goal.

Lead by example. Children will be more likely to do something if they see their parents doing it. Therefore, make a goal for yourself and tell your child about it. For example, incorporate more exercise in your life and bring your child along with you. Frequent walks in the park, weekly bike rides and other activities can also be a goal you’re setting for yourself to spend more quality time with your family.

According to Edwards, My Gym of Scranton’s mission is to build strong bodies and healthy minds. The local gym provides various fitness programs for children to better their physical health, but besides promoting physical fitness, the programs also help children build self-esteem and confidence that carry over into all aspects of a child’s life, Edwards said.

“For more information about My Gym of Scranton or to book a free trial class or a birthday party, contact Edwards at 570.558.1311.

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