Lead by example.
“The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.” Akido saying
One of the most difficult lessons in life is learned in adulthood; how to instill upon your child the positive values of respect without compromising their feelings by over disciplining for the wrong reason. We are aware that any style of negative tone combined with physical or emotional outbursts will only add to the behavioral tone of the situation, but even as parents, it is difficult to keep our outbursts in check as well. Another description of this is often coined “the mirror image”. Ergo: children really do mimic our behavior. They see us as the ultimate role model. Did that make you take a step back and look at your own inner light?
Toddler triumph, tyke independence, teen success.
“Martial Arts is like a mirror, in which you look at yourself before you wash your face in the morning. You see yourself simply, the way that you are.” Jiddu Krishnnamurti
As soon as a young child is old enough to hold onto a favorite toy, the cycle begins. Possessive attitudes are formed and acted out upon if suddenly removed. Respect for possessions and property of others brings a positive spin to that cycle of learning. Verbalizing acceptance of respect for family, teachers, elders, authority, and friends is begun with simple words and phrases. The pleases and thank you’s of our society opens doors for children as the payoff is community acceptance and notoriety. We have all had that one child on the block, the one that is the biggest offender, the neighborhood bully. All it takes to thwart that one child can be a few simple words. “I am sorry you feel that way. Can I help?” can refocus and channel negative behavior into core respect for oneself along with others. Karate classes can provide those extra steps and guide your child along the correct path with reconstructive, not destructive reflections. A mirror should be a clear, clean, prism of pure good light cast back upon its viewer.
Respect is internal, external, and earned.
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” Bruce Lee
While it should be a commonsense occurrence, societal structure has grown without considering a compromise of respect. Children lack it because parents have no resources to assist them. Longer workdays, higher divorce rates, economic pressures have left a lot our youth without guidance and structure so to fend for themselves socially, they can make a rocky road their own instead of choosing a wide-open path of self-discovery. The best Martial Arts centers offer all age level classes, tutorials, activities and community involvement awareness trainings that will assist with improving children’s scholastic focus, peer group affability, elder acceptance and over all inward and outward mental and physical appearance. Empathic skills are honed to an all-around educated value, not just a showpiece for the duration of the class hour or two. Children carry on martial arts class morals for lifetime; a selfless syllabus as they mature. With classes tailored for each level of growth and independence, it is never too early, or too late, to enroll your child, teen or even yourself in a new old road to respect.