Has your child ever been discouraged after a tough practice?
Has your child ever told you after a tough day that they don’t like martial arts anymore?
Has your child ever had repeated stomachache, headache, or some other issue right before or during practice?
The reason behind their desire to skip class or quit altogether is very often related to two emotions: fear and frustration. Frustration frequently happens after a match in which a child has to put tremendous effort to keep up with a teammate. Fear is common after falling on a big takedown or a submission.
The problem in allowing children to quit after a bad day is the lesson you will teach them and how it can affect them later in life. Allowing them to quit after a bad day will teach them that it is ok to give up when facing a challenge.
Instead, we can teach them that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to persevere and face obstacles.
After a few good days of practice, if they still have shown no interest in continuing with classes, you will know that fear and frustration are not the main reason for their decision.
Bottom line: DON’T LET YOUR CHILD QUIT AFTER A BAD DAY!
Sensei Leandro Lorenco
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