How to Help Kids Set Goals They’ll Actually Enjoy

Setting goals can be an exciting part of a young runner’s journey, but only if those goals feel fun, achievable, and kid-driven. When goals become too big, too adult, or too focused on outcomes, kids can begin to feel pressure instead of motivation. The good news? With a few simple strategies, goal setting can become empowering, confidence-building, and something your child truly enjoys.

Here’s how to help kids create goals that feel good, not stressful and most importantly keep running fun along the way.

1. Start With “Fun First” Goals

Before talking about times, distances, or placements, start with goals that simply make running enjoyable.

These might include:

• 💬 “Have fun running with my friends.” 

• 💬 “Finish the whole race smiling.”

• 💬 “Try a new event this season.”

Fun-first goals keep the pressure low and remind kids that running is something to look forward to.

2. Focus on Growth, Not Results

Kids benefit most from goals based on effort and progress, not comparison.

Try encouraging goals like:

• 💬 “Run a little farther without stopping.”

• 💬 “Practice my form once a week.”

• 💬 “Do my best warm-up every practice.”

These small, growth-centered goals help kids see improvement at their own pace and feel proud along the way.

3. Let Kids Choose Their Own Goals

When kids choose their goals, they feel ownership and are more motivated to work toward them.

You can guide the conversation by asking:

• 💬 “What part of running do you want to get better at?”

• 💬 “What’s something that would make you feel proud this season?”

• 💬 “Is there something new you want to try?”

Kids are more likely to enjoy and stick with goals that belong to them, not ones chosen for them.

4. Make Goals Small, Achievable, and Specific

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Small, specific goals build momentum.

Try helping your child turn a big idea into smaller steps:

Big goal:

• “I want to get faster.”

Small, achievable steps:

• 💬 “Practice my arm swing.”

• 💬 “Run relaxed and smooth.”

• 💬 “Do one fast interval each week.”

Every time your child meets a small goal, they build confidence and that confidence fuels bigger progress.

5. Celebrate Progress in Meaningful Ways

Kids stay motivated when they feel seen and celebrated.

Simple ways to celebrate:

• Ask, “What felt good today?” after practice

• High-five improvements

• Notice effort (“I saw you really pushing at the end!”)

• Celebrate consistency (“You’ve been showing up every week. That’s amazing!”)

Celebrations don’t need to be rewards. They can be moments of connection, encouragement, and reflection.

6. Talk About What They Learned, Not Just What They Did

Reflection builds self-awareness, and helps kids see the value in the process.

Questions you can ask:

• 💬 “What did you learn today?”

• 💬 “What felt easier than last time?”

• 💬 “What helped you keep going?”

Kids begin to understand that running isn’t about being the best,  it’s about discovering what they’re capable of.

7. Revisit and Adjust Goals as Needed

Kids grow quickly, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Their goals should grow with them.

If a goal stops feeling fun, meaningful, or achievable, it’s absolutely okay to change it.

Remind your child:

“Goals are tools, not pressure.” They’re meant to support your child, not stress them out.

When goal setting is simple, fun, and kid-driven, young runners learn that they are capable, strong, and continually improving.

They develop the confidence to try new things, stick with challenges, and enjoy every step…on and off the track.

Helping kids set enjoyable goals isn’t just good for running.

It builds life skills they’ll carry forever.