The first time I rode a bike I fell hard on the asphalt street and didn’t want to do it again.
Each one of us has a story they remember from their childhood that now makes us laugh now but at the time seemed like the end of the world. We got really scared and immediately shut down and said we didn’t want to do it again. What if our parents gave up too and never pushed us to keep trying. Or better yet, what if they allowed us to quit anything & everything that got boring , not fun or too hard. I would have quit school at probably ten-eleven years old.
This is why now many years later I am so grateful for all the times my parents pushed me in the right direction. Habit of giving up is the worst one to have.
It creates a lack of confidence that leads to many other issues with self esteem and more.
I am so grateful for my mother that day who said “no“ , put a bandage on my knee, wiped my tears and convinced me to try again. The second time around was better and I wanted more.
That’s how life goes. We are not always the best at what we do especially when first getting started but we sure can be. We can with practice and dedication and that old saying “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” as quoted by Tim Notke is 100% correct.
Over many years working with children we noticed there is one thing all of them have in common.
They crave structure, recognition and discipline more than some realize.
Both create good habits and make them recreate the good behaviors.
It’s fairly simple, you just have to be aware of what habits you want them to obtain in life, what will be beneficial in their adult life.
What will help in the long run?
Will it be a shiny trophy or great communication skills ?
Will it be filling the time just to be active or having confidence and a “Yes I can” attitude?
Now don’t misunderstand, all activities are great but some things in life are just better and it’s time we as adults recognized that. It’s time to start giving our children tools that will contribute to their future success. Tools that will stay with them throughout their teenage years and young adulthood. Tools and skills that actually matter.
Choose wisely, their future is waiting ….
& Yes it’s your responsibility. You’re the parent .
To your child’s success
Malwina Greer
U.S. Elite Martial Arts & Fitness Center