𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘!!!
This is, by far, the roughest time for parents. Our schedules change and it feels like we have no time. I have 2 in school myself. I know how it is!
As your child goes back to school it’s increasingly important to remember why you put them into martial arts. To build discipline, foster focus, and to help them become leaders.
It’s important to remember we are the solution to this challenging time. This is when you, as a parent, should be doubling down and really putting our Parent Stripe Program to the ultimate use.
Here are 5 ways you we’ve seen parents use our program to help their kids with this challenging transition back into school after summer break.
✅. Commitment Stripe- Set a short goal (1 or 2 weeks) with your child. For some it’s been bringing home their homework folder every day. For others it’s been 2 weeks without acting up in class… the sky is the limit here. But set that goal TODAY. Then LET THE INSTRUCTORS KNOW ABOUT IT TOO! And be sure to award it to them when they get it.
✅. Lean on us as Mentors- It’s almost a daily occurrence that parents come to us and ask us to talk with their kids about “how they act in school” or “the best way to control their emotions.” None of us like to admit it, but kids often listen to mentors before they listen to parents. I know… It’s not fair. So let us be mentors for them and encourage your child to talk to us about things that bother them.
✅. Use that Discipline Stripe- The discipline stripe is another great way to encourage your child to be doing the right thing. Make the time frame for earning it a little longer (4 or 5 weeks). Once they have demonstrated they are dong their homework or being more outgoing or whatever the goal is, let us know and we’ll make a big deal of them earning the stripe!
✅. Reinforce their T-Rules and Rules of Engagement- Bully Defense is at the core of our program. But let’s make sure all the kids remember how to confront a Bully safely and, preferably, without any fighting if possible. The T-Rules and Rules of engagement are designed to do just that. They are in the White Belt curriculum of your app. Check em out!
✅. Give us Ideas for Mat Chats- Is your child having a problem that’s a bit unique? Awesome. I am willing to bet many other kids are having the same issue but not saying anything about it. Let us know what your kids are dealing with and we’ll construct our mat chats around that topic. Just tell an instructor or email us with the ideas.
𝘽𝙊𝙉𝙐𝙎: Academic Achievement Award- Remember to tell us on the red clip board when your child earns honor roll (or equivalent). They get a cool patch to put on their gi and show off. The kids love that.
What are some ways you intend to use?
In the end, the most important thing is not to quit. If you need to take a week off to adjust to the new schedule, that make sense. But most of you brought your kids here to learn life skills. The discipline, courage, respect, and commitment it takes to get ahead in life is hard. But so worth it in the end.
We’ve had a few parents take their kids out of classes when school starts because they “were worried it’s too much” or “the schedule was too difficult” or “they want their kids to have more them time.”
Personally, I’ve always believed those are weak reasons to quit anything. When I was born, my grandfather gave my mother 1 piece of advice, “Keep him busy. It’ll teach him hard work and keep him off the streets.” These days it could be better said to “Keep em busy, it’ll teach him hard work and keep him off the couch!”
Let us know how we can help you!
See you soon,
Bill Jones
Bill Jones is the head instructor of Top Level Martial Arts in Cuyahoga Falls, Oh. He has been teaching and training kids since 1996 and Top Level Martial Arts is the #1 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school in NE Ohio. They specialize in teaching jiu-jitsu for kids and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes for adults too. Check them out at toplevelmartialarts.com
