Effort Over Outcome: How Physical Activity Develops Mental Strength, Resilience, and Confidence in Kids

Do you want the children in your life to develop not only physical strength, but mental strength, resilience, and confidence? Laura Arneson, owner of The Little Gym, joins us to discuss how encouraging physical activity and participation in sports helps children develop these important life skills. Laura talks about her early experiences in sports and shares how the support of her parents and other mentors influenced her growth and development. She believes one of the most important lessons is learning that the effort is just as important as the outcome. In this conversation, Laura shares how promoting physical activity for kids, coupled with family and community support, allows them to build trust, develop friendships, and shows them the importance of teamwork.The Little Gym in Johnston, IA is a fitness and recreation center for families with kids from 4 months to 12 years. Through the use of gymnastics and music, kids learn gross motor control, skill development, cognitive problem solving, and language skills as well as social and emotional development tools such as sharing and taking turns. Follow The Little Gym’s Facebook and Instagram pages and visit their website here for more information. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.