Don’t Quit

The work week is just beginning and you know you really should get an exercise time in. Hit the gym, or workout from home. Some days you are jumping in and ready to “feel the burn!” Then there are the other times that you literally have to drag yourself to make it happen. Don’t even feel like starting much less going all the way through. But at the end of it, aren’t you glad you did it? Felt so good!

Why is that? We as adults can understand the benefits to pushing ourselves through something we might not even feel like doing somedays, because we know the end goal. The reward at the end of the workout was enough to power us into starting the workout.

However, children are different. They live in the moment and don’t want to stop watching their shows, playing their video games or playing with friends to do something that is going to benefit them. They may have signed up for Karate because it was fun, and they have fun once they are in class, but sooner or later, they are going to need YOU to be the right parent for them and get them to class.

Even incredibly fun things lose their charm. Imagine I took you on the same rollercoaster two times per week. After a while, it would be tedious, and I’d get tired of taking you. The major difference is that rollercoasters are strictly for amusement, Karate is an important part of building character, focus, and confidence to be successful adults.

So go back to your goals. Why did you sign up for Karate? Or enroll your child? Maybe to improve focus or to raise confidence. Maybe improve their self-discipline, build character or get in better physical condition. Plus, they are gaining the ability to defend themselves in the event of a life-or-death altercation.

This is not an activity people do to be amused for a season, like soccer, baseball, or basketball. This is an endeavor that can save your life, like learning to swim. It provides character development to equip them for life’s challenges.

So, the solution…
1. Get them to class, recommit to the benefits you want from the training and recommit to your kids. They need YOU. No one climbs Mount Everest alone, it takes a team of people, doctors, dieticians, Sherpas, and guides, not to mention the encouragement of family. Earning a Black Belt is the same.
2. Make sure your child is doing something not-so-fun before class. No one wants to get off the couch, or put up the video games, even adults. If you say, “After you finish the vacuuming, we are going to martial arts,” you are going to get a much more agreeable participant.
3. Let us know you had some issues getting them there. We would love to help you out! We are here for you and your child.

It maybe hard for you as the parent now. But look forward to what happens when they do achieve their black belt and develop the character they need in life.

“Thank you Mom and Dad for not letting me quit.”