Stress is a significant part of our lives today. And while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Social tensions, family stressors, the Pandemic, etc. all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, it’s important for parents to help their children develop coping skills by guiding […]
You’ve probably been there a time or two when your child is seemingly overwhelmed by their emotions. Whether it’s a meltdown over getting what they asked for but then decided that’s not what they wanted to your child throwing down when they’re anger overwhelms them, it can be very frustrating to see your child being […]
One of the biggest struggles in parenting is understanding why perfectly sweet and smart children can, in an instant, turn into the most difficult beings ever faced. It’s often as if a switch was flipped and chaos has ensued. This typically results in parents becoming frustrated at their child and disciplining them in the heat […]
As you all know, our Stay at Home orders have led to massive disruptions in our daily routines as families. And I applaud all of you for doing the impossible. I know how overwhelmed both parents and children are feeling right now as I’ve talked to many of my schools’ families in the past week […]
One of the most important things that you can do as a parent is to establish a connection with your child. In fact, children need connection more than anything else. Here are a few ways that you can begin to build a great connection with your child: Daily Interactions: 1. Make one-on-one connections with […]
We live in a competitive world and most parents jump at the chance to give their child every advantage imaginable. The world can also be unkind and, as parents, we feel a need to protect our children from everything possible. And yes, parents are supposed to help and protect their children. But – when does […]
The Importance of Bilateral Coordination on Physical and Cognitive Skills The development of a child can be one of the most fascinating things to watch unfold. From infants mirroring movements to toddlers and children mastering high-level developmental skills, the growth they experience in a short time is astounding. And while all skills are important […]
Can you believe it – not only is a new year upon us, but a new decade is, too! It’s a monumental time where, as adults, we may feel a little more pull than past New Year’s to set up some goals for ourselves. (I mean, have you seen all of the #2019lessonlearned posts this […]
I had a student once, who had trouble with knowing his left from right. Time and time again, when a move in his form required him to go left, he’d go right, and vice versa. This continued long after the normal time it takes to process how we move in taekwondo. We thought perhaps he […]
When my son was about 2 years old, he decided one day that he didn’t want me to help him get dressed. “I DO! I DO,” he shouted, as he struggled to get into his pants and long-sleeved shirt. When he finally got his little hands and feet through the holes and popped his head […]
I’ll never forget the time when, my daughter, who was all of 4 1/2 years old,was so grateful for every single gift she received. She became more animated and more grateful over each gift she opened. It was the best thing ever. As I told this story to one of the school’s parents one day, […]
“Mooooommmmm! I’m SO bored!” Have you heard this already this summer? Whether you have or haven’t, we’ve got three tips on how to keep that summer boredom at bay! These are simple tips that you can implement NOW. Tip #1: Communicate the plan Every evening, take a few spare minutes and review the “plan” for […]
Seven to nine-year olds are what most people consider “the golden age.” They are proficient in their vocabulary and problem-solving skills, yet they are not at the age where they want complete independence from adults. However, there’s always room for improvement, right?!? Here are 4 ways martial arts help 7 to 9 year olds grow […]
We all love to see our kids excel in everything they do. There is no doubt that when kids nail the school project, learn to ride a bike without training wheels, or nail their pattern in taekwondo class, everyone involved shares a sense of accomplishment. BUT – it is only a matter of time before […]
When things get tough for our kids, the two most common ways parents handle these situations is to either swoop in and be the hero or to leave them to “figure” it out. This could mean doing their homework for them, not pushing them to get back up on that horse, or allowing them to […]