Mindful Tips to Use When Kids Don’t Want to Attend Class
Posted: September 11, 2018
GUEST BLOG POST
One great thing about the martial arts industry is the ocean of amazingly creative and inspirational people it creates and attracts. My great friend and colleague, Ryan Johnson uses these helpful tips in his academy, Johnson’s ATA in Sioux City, IA. He’s graciously allowed me to both steal them for use in our academy and share them with our loyal parents and readers.
Ryan is not only a Master Instructor in Taekwondo and teaches Brazilian Ju Jitsu, but also one of the foremost experts and speakers on the topic of bullying. He is the author of “Bully-ology”; How to use Martial Arts to Stand Up for Yourself, Defeat Bullies and Show the World What You Can Do. Get it on Amazon for just, $3.60!
You don't have to be great to start...
Posted: September 06, 2018
For many families, this time of year brings hope for change. A new school year or brand-new school, bright and shiny new clothes and new activities, which means new goals to create and habits we wish to accomplish.
Though they promised you they would stick with it this time, the sad reality is, a few short days, weeks or at best a couple months later, buyer’s remorse sets in and you’re left with that brand new trumpet collecting dust in the corner, those expensive gotta-have-name-brand soccer cleats are now hanging in the mudroom without any grass stains, and all that unused football equipment left a big dent in your wallet. And now those new “goals” are replaced by excuses like, “I don’t wanna go”, “my band teacher is too mean”, “the coach doesn’t like me”, “I don’t like getting tackled”, and so forth.
A lot of times the main underlying issue with kids sports and activities, is it’s hard for them to realize all the work that’s going to be involved. Nobody was a world class musician from birth, being a fan of the world cup doesn’t instantly make you a great soccer player (nor give you the right to wear a man bun), and the best wide receivers aren’t the ones with the best hands or vertical leap in their rookie seasons, but the ones who learn to focus on where the ball is going. You’ll need to play the long game.