In my journey practising and learning martial arts over the last 6 months, I’ve also reflected and observed how it has shaped and changed my own boys who are learning it together with me too!
So if you are a parent, thinking about what it be like introducing another activity into your child’s life and how best to maximize the resources devoted to it, read on!
I remember as a child, I already joined my community taekwondo classes. Back then I was only 6 or 7 years old. But I remembered that it wasn’t a pleasant journey or experience for me. I didn’t enjoy it and it was just something my parents signed me up for, hoping to benefit me. And thus, after a while, it died a natural death and I was still at white belt!
Tip No. 1 – Your child don’t need another “activity” but they need a purpose!
Look at your child’s schedule now. Is it already filled to the brim? Are they having no free time simply because they are just going from class to class after school, including the weekends? My advice is to do the opposite of what we are often doing today. Let them have FREE TIME! Having more activities doesn’t necessarily equate to healthy development and learning. Instead, if we are really getting them to do an activity, go through with them on the purpose of it. Have a discussion with them and see if they can embrace it for themselves. If they can’t, then its probably going to be a waste of resources for everyone!
My younger boy learning how to spar with others!
Tip No.2 – Do it together!
Warming up and preparing for my Mixed Martial Arts training.
I’m not sure why you have considered martial arts but whatever the reason, the outcome will probably be better if it’s also something that you would consider doing it yourself too. For me, it was something that I already planned to pursue myself and that was how I got my kids to do it together too. And of course, when I brought it up to them, I had to explain the purpose and reasons why I thought it was a good idea! In the end, we just got started on it together and had fun too learning and sparring with them!
Tip No. 3 – Create fun rather than expectations around the activity!
Many parents consider the outcomes and results of the activity as more important than the process. And as a result, we seldom pay attention to the fun element that needs to happen in the process which eventually will lead to a more sustainable outcome in the longer term.
So whether it’s martial arts or whatever activities that you are getting your child into, take a pause and reflect. Is it fun for the child? Sometimes we have this myth that anything fun equals not learning anything. But actually, it’s the opposite because once we have fun, learning becomes easier and not harder!
A final note to parents in Singapore who are thinking of introducing martial arts and with lots of fun to your child, I’ve got something just right for you this coming September holidays!
During the September holidays, I will be organising a special session “Awaken the Warrior Within” for kids where we will introduce some basic movements and include fun and games. I’m thankful to have Coach Hans from Zeus Fitness to conduct this programme together with me. Together we hope to incorporate martial arts and various life skills elements so that the participants can have a good time!
So today if you are interested, please check this page out.
Together let’s AWAKEN THE WARRIOR in our children! =)
