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Mindful Tips to Use When Kids Don’t Want to Attend Karate Class

5/29/2018

3 Comments

 
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Kids are not naturally self-motivated. When your child’s mindset is not in the right place, even the most fun activities can be a struggle to get to. With that said, here are some strategies to help you work around lack of motivation when trying to get your kid to class.

1. Be attentive to what your child is doing at the moment he/she is supposed to get ready for class. If he/ she is playing or having fun with a friend, then be ready for a battle. With that said, have your child participate in a chore or task that’s not as much fun around 10 to 15-minutes prior to getting ready for class.

2. Be attentive to your own projection of emotions as you get your child ready for class. If you are stressed, rushed, or aggravated in any way, this will project the same emotions on your child. With that said, be sure to project positive and upbeat energy as you are getting your child ready for class.

3. Be attentive to how you respond to your child’s overall performance after class. If you are expressing too much emphasis on what he/ she did wrong versus right, then those negative feelings will carry over. With that said, be sure to limit criticism and focus more on productive conversations after class.

4. Be intentional with your goals by communicating with your child’s instructors. The goal is to foster motivation. Let the instructors know about your struggles so that they can be mindful to motivate your child before, during, and after class. It takes a village, so don’t be afraid to ask for support!

5. Prompt motivation by rewarding your child. Remember that children’s brains are still growing, and most of their development comes from positive stimulation and experiences. With that said, pre-frame the proper behavior that you would like to see when going to class, and then set an attainable number of classes he/ she must attend with this behavior, along with a reward for doing so. For example: attend the next 3 classes with the proper behavior and we will grab ice cream on the way home.

These tips are not rocket science but are often overlooked. As parents, we get caught up in the daily grind, so we sometimes forget that situations like this require attentive and intentional parenting. I hope this article sheds some positive light on how to help your child get ready for class.

Good luck!

Click here for a downloadable and printable document of this article.
3 Comments
Gillian Babcock link
11/27/2018 06:53:08 pm

My sister wanted to make sure that his son is able to defend himself in times of great trouble. It was explained here that in Kobudo classes, she should be attentive to her child and talk to her son's instructors. Furthermore, it's recommended to go to trusted experts when planning to enroll Kobudo.

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Ron Booker link
9/25/2019 06:10:49 am

I found it interesting that you said that you can transmit your emotions to your child. I have an aunt that is going through depression and she has a kid with her. I'm going to suggest her taking him to karate class so that he can get away from bad emotions from my aunt.

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Vashon Borich-Leach, Sensei
9/25/2019 09:22:55 am

Thank you for your comment. Yes, children pick up on the emotions of the adults around them and will mimic them. Great idea to get him in karate and around positive, uplifting people.

Be sure to visit at least two different dojo’s. You’ll want to meet the instructor(s) and watch a class. This will give you a good idea as to the dynamics between the students and teachers. Choose the school that looks like the best fit for your needs and the child’s personality.

You may find that another art, other than Japanese or Okinawan Karate is a better fit. I.e. Tae Kwon Do (Korean), Kung Fu (Chinese), Jui jitsu (Brazilian), Capoeira (Brazilian), MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Judo (Japanese), Aikido (Japanese), etc.

Not all martial arts are the same, nor do they all share in the same values. ?

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    Vashon Borich, Sensei teaches traditional karate & kobudo in Branson, Missouri. She considers herself a life-time student of the arts. Her blog is an open journal of lessons learned in the martial arts. If you are a martial artist and would like to contribute to her blog please contact her.
    All blog entries are authored by Vashon Borich unless noted in the first line.

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