Goal setting for children

CEBU, Philippines – There’s a well-recommended book for children, titled “Akong Bugsay,” or “My Paddle.” The Department of Education adopts the book as a guide for Cebu grade-school children on how to achieve the things they want in life.  It teaches goal setting, about how children can have their own goals and achieve these on their own.

The illustrated bilingual children’s book is a good aid for parents, as well, in helping little children set and achieve personal goals. Parents need not bark orders at the kids, but instead nurture and guide the kids towards realizing their own goals. Don’t tell the children what you want; ask them what they want to do.

“Akong Bugsay” tells the story of a little boy named Andoy, who goes on a fishing trip with his father. Along the way, Andoy learns valuable lessons on planning and working hard to achieve a goal.

The book teaches the bugsay philosophy of Roberto “Bobby” E. Aboitiz, president of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., that for one to go somewhere, he must have a destination and a plan, and work hard to reach that destination. Of course, to get there he needs a bugsay or paddle, which symbolizes personal skills and abilities, and the opportunities and options available that could be used to attain the goal. It is also important – with children especially – to have the freedom to do things their way.