Essay on Writing Goals and Behavioural Objectives
Children with obesity have serious health problem because obesity can provoke the development of other health problems. Obesity is particularly dangerous in children in their early teens, namely at the age of 11-12, when they start undergoing fast physical transformations. In this regard, it is important to define clearly behavioural goals and objectives children are to achieve to change their eating habits, lifestyle and to help them to tackle the problem of obesity successfully.
First of all, it is important to focus on eating as one of the primary goals and behavioural objectives for children with obesity. The behaviour to be changed is the refusal from fast food and irregular means. The direction the behaviour is to take is healthy nutrition that includes regular and balanced meals which provide children with healthy food. The present level of behaviour of children is basically low because they have irregular meals, while many teens dine in fast food restaurants or consume fast food on the regular basis. The expected level of behaviour to be achieved is the level of the conscious food consumption, when teens grow aware of the importance of what they eat and how they eat. Children should understand that they should cease their practice of irregular meals and consuming fast food. The eating goal should be achieved in three months from now on, i.e. by January 23, 2013.
Along with eating goal, children should also meet the related behavioural objectives. First of all, the behavioural aspect should be taken into consideration. Children will be able to choose the right and health menu and they will pay attention to the food they eat and its quality. The target model of behaviour should be observed on the regular basis. For instance, if children do not consume fast food or attend a fast food restaurant, this objective may be viewed as being partially achieved. By the end of the work with the children, they should slow down the weight gain. As they keep growing, it is quite natural that they gain some weight. In the course of three months, they should gain no more than four pounds. If they have healthy nutrition, this objective may be achieved.
Another important issue children with obesity at the age of 11-12 should learn to deal with is dressing. Children should stop wearing tight, uncomfortable clothing. Instead, they should wear casual and comfortable clothing that will help them to feel at ease. The present level of behaviour is relatively low since children, especially girls, attempt to match existing fashion standards in clothing and wear uncomfortable clothing and shoes. By the end of the course, they are supposed to learn the right clothing which is comfortable and practical. This time frame to achieve the goal is three weeks, i.e. November 13, 2012.
Behavioural objectives are also very important, when dressing is involved. The behavioural pattern developed in children should meet the expectations and objectives defined at the beginning of the work with the client. To put it more precisely, clients should wear comfortable clothing and be able to make the proper choice of clothing on the ground of comfort not trendiness. Clients should wear clothing that seems to be comfortable for them. The level of comfort of clothing may be measured by the time children wear their clothing and shoes without complaint or non-verbal expression of discomfort.
The socialization is another important goal. Children should stop being outcasts in their peer groups. Instead, they should make friends and integrate into their peer groups. At the moment, they are rather outcasts but, by the end of the course, they are supposed to have at least one-two friends. The goal should be achieved within a month.
Behavioural objectives concerning socialization of children with obesity can be traced, when children start communicating regularly with their peers. Friendly relations should be observed regularly. They should have at least one friend.
Education is often a challenge for children with obesity at the moment. They have to learn successfully and realize their full potential. Their current academic level is below average. By the end of the course, they are supposed to reach the average academic level in two months time frame.
Behavioural objectives may be achieved when the academic performance of students improves. Positive remarks of educators concerning students are heard. The high scores of students will prove their academic success.
Recreation is particularly important for children with obesity. At the moment, they lead a sedative lifestyle and spend a lot of time while watching TV or playing video games. However, children have to lead the active lifestyle, to play active games, to walk, and to practice some sports. At the moment, the sedative lifestyle provokes the aggravation of the physical condition of children but in two months, i.e. by December 23, 2012, children should lead active lifestyle.
Behavioural objectives can be traced through the change of the behavior of children and their active lifestyle, active games, or sport. Other children can tell whether children with obesity have started to take part in active games or practice sport. The measurement of time spent by children while watching TV or video games and compared to active games and other activities will reveal, whether the behavioural objective is achieved or not.
