Tag: children

Martial Arts and ADD/ADHD in Young Children

Posted on | by Jason

Attention deficit disorder, commonly referred to ADD, is a condition that afflicts a large number of young children in today’s society. The condition is characterized by a diminished ability to concentrate on a particular task for prolonged periods of time. In some cases, the condition can also lead to constant feelings of restlessness. In this case, it is referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Both these conditions, in whatever degree, can seriously hamper the way in which a child functions both at home, at school, and in public. As a parent who has a child that is suffering from ADD or ADHD, it is extremely important to understand the condition before putting into place measures to cope with and counter it.

No need to be over-worried

The first thing to understand about the condition is that your child may not truly have it at all. Parents are often so worried about the way their children are developing that they often look to these conditions as possible reasons for skewed development. However, it is important to understand that children, more often than not, are naturally impulsive, curious, and restless. In some cases though, the condition can be quite pronounced. Another thing to remember is that the condition is treatable and certainly not permanent, as long as the right course of action is taken at an early stage.

Children who suffer from ADD/ADHD experience a range of symptoms and feelings that can be quite disconcerting for them. In many cases, a child can experience a feeling of disillusionment and disconnectedness with the environment around them. Simply reprimanding a child with ADD constantly is not the solution. A better course of action may be in empowering the child and building self-esteem and focus in a number of ways. Karate for kids classes are an exceptional environment for children of all abilities and conditions.

Do not rush to the doctor

A mistake that many parents of children who have ADD/ADHD often make is to rush to the doctor to have medication prescribed. However, in most cases, medication should be viewed as a last resort. Parents should take some time out to develop learning strategies that help their children cope with the pressures around them, whether this is at school or at home. When children begin to internalize these learning techniques, they will naturally build their cognitive function over time to appropriate levels. If parents are unsure of how to deal with problem, it is highly recommended to visit a psychologist to better inform and prepare themselves and find supportive resources.

Keeping Children Fit Through Martial Arts Fun

Posted on | by Jason

Fitness and exercise are crucial to the healthy functioning of both the mind and the body. Some individuals are naturally active, as a result of an active upbringing, but this is not the case inmost Americans today. While adult society is growing in awareness of the need for good fitness and health, the same cannot be said for young children. Nowadays, with all the technology and gadgetry available, fewer children are taking to the streets and parks to toss a football around or do pretty much any other outdoor physical activity. As a parent, it is extremely important to monitor how much exercise and physical activity a child is getting, and ensure that they remain active during their most formative years.

School vs. play

Children of the youngest of ages do not have the pressures of going to school, and often learn through play itself. However, as they grow older, school work and other responsibilities limit the amount of time they have to spend outside playing games or performing any kind of physical activity. While academics are certainly important, a parent should strive to find a balance between work and physical activity for their children.

During a child’s first few years, his or her muscles and bones are still in development. For children to become strong and healthy, it is important for them to engage in diverse physical activities on a regular basis. Apart from strengthening their bodies, physical activity also helps children sleep better at night. Moreover, exercise releases important chemicals in the brain and body that foster a positive outlook and attitude. Finally, frequent exercise also limits the chances of serious medical conditions like diabetes or obesity from developing, which occurs today in Americans of all ages at an alarming rate.

Teaching the whole person

Apart from actually keeping the body fit, exercise does a number of extraordinary things to the mind as well. Physical activities like sports provide a relief or an stress outlet from the day to day school routine that most children have nowadays. It’s something to look forward to, a short time where they can be focus on something more enjoyable than their problems! Moreover, just the act of playing and working with a group of friends helps social skills as well. It goes without saying that a child who is physically active is more energized, and prepared to take on each and every day. If your children are interested, you can usually find a great introductory offer or free trial at most martial arts training facilities. Such classes help children in becoming independent, while also keeping them healthy and fit body, mind, and spirit.

Establishing Leadership Traits in Young Children

Posted on | by Jason

Leadership skills are highly valued in today’s competitive and fast-paced society. Whether it
is being captain of a sports team, managing a group of working professionals, or heading the community council, being a leader requires a set of skills that not everyone possesses. The only way to develop these skills is to put oneself in a position where he or she is able to constantly practice and hone them. The same is true with young children as well. The important thing to understand about leadership is that it is completely learned. No single individual is born a leader – but each and all can become one, through

  1. immediate, fateful circumstance (as in rising to a unique occasion)
  2. decades of hard-won experience, or
  3. dedicated, deliberate, and enjoyable training in a qualified program

The importance of confidence

One of the most important traits of an effective leader is self-confidence. It is certainly true that some children are more confident in their thoughts and actions than others. Confidence is important because precisely because the perception of one’s self is contagious! If one individual is able to display confidence in a thought or idea among a group of people, it sets the premise for relationships based on trust to be developed. However, it is also important to remember that confidence is not the only trait that a leader requires. In some cases, over-confidence or blind confidence can hold a leader back. Enrolling your child for karate classes at a young age is a good way to make them confident and self-reliant.

Do as I do, not as I say

Another factor to remember is that leaders typically don’t begin as “leaders” who give out instructions and command people to perform tasks and actions. The best leaders first experiences performing these actions himself or herself – as a follower – so that he or she can understand the effort and skill required. In doing so, a leader will increase his or her effectiveness in communicating and empathizing with team members under him and getting best results.

Another key trait that all leaders need is decision-making ability. This seems oddly difficult for many adults and most children! A leader must be able to view a situation and analyze it completely before developing a plan to tackle it, without falling prey to “paralysis of analysis.” Decisiveness is perhaps the most important trait of a leader, as it will determine whether a team is successful or not. Confidence in following through with a plan is important, but a calm, informed mind to make sound decisions is absolutely imperative for ultimate success and ROI.

Developing these traits is no easy job. Children can often feel uncomfortable or frightened when placed in leadership positions initially. However, many karate for kids programs make the training appealing to each age groups – playful for some, strictly disciplined for others – so that the leadership lessons are absorbed and experienced in several ways. In time, leadership practice feels more natural and fun, something to look forward to! As a parent, it is extremely important to encourage and motivate a child who takes on the added responsibility of being a leader, even if he or she may not succeed at first. Your karate instructors will be glad to help you and your child address training goals and needs too. Anyone can be a leader with dedication and practice at a qualified instructional facility with caring, capable teachers.