Keep sparks of interest glowing, even in the heat of summer.
Two weeks can seem like a lifetime when you’re a child. Let’s face it; as a general rule of thumb, children are taxed with a short-term attention span, and sometimes no amount of persuasion can make them grow into that patience trait that we eventually learn to achieve.
Family Martial Arts Center always anticipates and appreciates that the summer months are often planned out in advance to allow for family vacations, road trips, other extracurricular sports, and such.
Kids have an innate sense of empathy, and when combined with a “setback,” the tender ego will take a big blow if they fear to admit that they feel they can’t keep up. When you ask your child if they are ready to get back to karate, while you intend to get them excited about the prospect, don’t be surprised if they say “No. ”
In fact, take that as a sign that they very well maybe exerting empathy to save hurting your feelings. Kids don’t like to admit that they have forgotten what they’ve learned, that they will have to go to school at the same time, or simply be worried that you’ll see them as a failure.
Tips to talk it out
If this is what you are experiencing or think you need to be concerned about facing, this is the perfect time to grab a carton of your kid’s favorite ice cream, a couple of spoons, and comfy seating.
- Share your feelings in a heart-to-heart conversation and encourage your child to speak openly and honestly about theirs.
- Assure them that it is totally normal to feel disappointed or let down by others progressions over the summer.
- RE-assure them that no one, not even Master or Sensei, will “punish” them for taking time off.
- Praise them for their accomplishments and willingness to keep on trying.
- Offer them the choice to keep in practice online if available.
- If going on an extended trip, have them write out and mail postcards back to the gym or send an email or two.
- Maybe plan a get-together and invite the class to your home for a “play date party” or afternoon picnic potluck in a nearby park.
The options are endless. And no price can be put upon the overall well-being of any child.
Whatever you do, if they truly do not want to return, don’t force them.
Summertime blues, greens, and yellows…
For kids, especially those who are still in the introductory learning levels and have friends as dojo peers who remained on board and continued their training in the summer, the feeling of having to catch up can be enough impetus to make a child not want to return in the fall.
Undoubtedly, in any form of Martial Arts, children are NOT color blind by belt measure. They wait….proudly wearing their new white belt. Eyes on the prize….the yellow. The BIG promotion. And anything that halts that progression they see as a personal failure. The feeling of being singled out as being “left behind,” having to work faster to catch up and then having to accept that there is no quick fix when it comes to karate kicks.
Not a theme park and there are no fast-track passes.
The study of martial arts is about patience, form perfection, acceptance, and learning how to be humble and happy for your training partners when they achieve or to help them if they stumble. Yes, a self-study in empathic independence, but also one focused on team equality and pride. They have to learn that a belt, no matter what color or rank, is to be revered as a sign of respect and must be earned.
So while some may take time off, it is important to remember that when you return, you haven’t lost any status. It will be given to you when you’ve put in the same effort on a timeline. Anything other would be against the code.
Always on call
If you need to discuss all or any other options to help combat the summertime slowdown, call us and share your feelings on this with Mr. Len or any of his compassionate, caring, and professional family of staff instructors. We are always open. Hands, minds, hearts, and doors.