Sometimes it is hard to tell what is going on with your child. Their feelings fluctuate and you feel that you can’t really put your finger on why. Children often feel embarrassed to tell their parents that they are being bullied in school, on the bus, and in the neighborhood. It is our job as adults to be able to notice the signs of this situation before it explodes.
Make sure to look at a change in confidence and activities. These are the most common signs of bullying. They will not want to participate in their normal activities like before. For instance, not going outside to ride their bikes like they usually do. Make it a point to address this situation directly and discuss it with your child. The worst thing possible is to ignore it and then more problems arise.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
How To Help Equip Your Child Be A Life Long Champion!
Does your child possess a healthy sense of confidence? Answer yes if your child makes friends easily, accepts leadership opportunities and displays a bright, positive attitude.
But if your child is timid, shy and passive, with few friends and little initiative, your child needs help now.
The problems start small, a child who can't interact with his or her peers or won't look an adult in the eye. But as a child grows these problems do, too -- and before long this child is the target of bullies, prone to peer pressure and withdrawn in the classroom. Kids like this are called "painfully shy" for good reason.
A child with self-confidence problems needs to improve his or her self-esteem. In this report, we'll share some ideas on how this can be done.
First, let's review the five common problems your child may encounter
1. Timid and shy
Children who are quiet and unassertive find it difficult to interact with both peers and adults. They can find themselves overlooked in both school and social settings.
It is difficult for such children to "break out of their shell" in order to build friendships and gain leadership skills, both essential qualities for personal development.
2. Loner, not a leader
Shyness and a lack of self-confidence force children onto the sidelines and away from the action.
Children who fail to participate in activities do not allow their skills to develop, further lowering their self-esteem and insecurity.
Leadership in particular is a quality that must be learned. Children who are not encouraged to build this skill lose out on this powerful opportunity.
3. Bully magnet
As a parent, there is nothing more agonizing than knowing your child is suffering from the emotional abuse of a bully.
If you, too, were bullied as a child, you know yourself that the scars can take a lifetime to heal.
Sadly, children who are quiet, shy and unassuming tend to get bullied. For such children, it is essential that they turn their attitude around and learn the steps they must take to avoid this problem.
4. Hesitant to try new things
Children can view new experiences as exciting challenges -- or as insurmountable barriers. It's all in the attitude.
The fear of failure is a powerful deterrent to trying new things and gaining new skills. It contributes to feelings of low self-esteem.
If a child is easily overwhelmed, it's important to introduce new concepts and experiences step by step.
5. Caves into peer pressure
Do you worry that your child might be saying "yes" when he or she should be saying "no?"
A child needs tremendous strength and good character to avoid the dangers and temptations that young people encounter in today's society.
If you suspect your child is in with the wrong crowd, don't wait until it is too late to help them build the character they need.
We have solutions!
There are many ways of addressing the problems of insecurity and shyness. After our extensive work with kids of all ages, here are methods we've found to be most effective:
Confidence
Every great success starts with one important factor: enough faith in yourself to get the job done.
With that firm foundation, truly anything is possible.
Building a child's confidence is all about personal empowerment, giving them the chance to succeed, and acknowledging that success.
From there, the sky's the limit.
Attitude
Confidence that shows -- that's how we define a good attitude.
A bright smile, a firm handshake, a straight posture and a strong voice project confidence.
Peers and teachers take notice of children with a winning attitude. It is greatly important, therefore, to be friendly and helpful, both at home and at school.
Opportunity
We all want our children to become leaders. But how exactly can we get it done?
Helping around the house and volunteering in the community are some places to start. As they master tasks and chores, their responsibility will also grow.
Few of us are natural born leaders; it is a skill that must be learned through experience. The essential key, then, is to give a child the opportunity to become a leader.
Action Plan
It's not very useful to tell a child to avoid a bully if you can't tell the child how to do so.
Children need to understand there is a very specific course of action to be taken in dangerous situations.
Does your child know exactly what to do if he or she is being harassed by a bully? Do they know what to do if approached by a stranger?
If you have specific instructions, discuss them with your child on occasion. In cases like this, knowledge is power indeed.
MARTIAL ARTS CAN HELP
It's one thing to hold the keys to helping your child build confidence. It's another thing, though, to start the motor and make it happen.
Many of these time-tested principles are difficult for parents to implement alone. They take time, effort and constant reinforcement.
Here's where martial arts can help. The group dynamics, our positive approach and our strong moral code help foster the skills that will last a lifetime.
Martial arts builds confidence
If your child is shy, it might be hard to imagine him or her putting on a uniform, stepping onto the mat and learning martial arts.
Martial arts instructors understand this fear and can turn such experiences into powerful lessons of empowerment.
Martial arts instructors undergo extensive training. They know how to build an excellent rapport by offering plenty of praise and encouragement.
It is their job to bring out the best in every child.
Martial arts deters bullies
Martial arts schools teach children exactly how to make the bullying stop -- and it doesn't involve fighting. Martial arts builds confidence.
Along with the martial arts skills, children learn how to deflect verbal and physical confrontation through role-playing exercises and guidelines.
Martial arts students learn how to be in control during such situations -- so on the playground, bullies get the message.
Martial arts is the right stuff
Confident, strong and happy -- We all have a strong vision of how we want our children to turn out.
The decisions we make today have great bearing on our children's futures. A child who is insecure today is susceptible to negative peer pressure in the future.
Martial arts provide positive experiences for children, and offers tangible goals and rewards that help them stay focused.
Having strong, positive role models -- from the instructors to the higher-ranking students -- helps reinforce the values parents are working to teach at home.
We call it a black-belt attitude. It is both our goal -- and our code of conduct.
Our children have big choices ahead of them in the future, choices between right and wrong. They need to have good influences around them.
If you'd like to learn more about how martial arts can improve your child's self-confidence, please contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Or, better yet, let your child experience the confidence-building benefits themselves by taking advantage of our valuable summer special, 8weeks for $99 and get their official champions uniform and tshirt!
But if your child is timid, shy and passive, with few friends and little initiative, your child needs help now.
The problems start small, a child who can't interact with his or her peers or won't look an adult in the eye. But as a child grows these problems do, too -- and before long this child is the target of bullies, prone to peer pressure and withdrawn in the classroom. Kids like this are called "painfully shy" for good reason.
A child with self-confidence problems needs to improve his or her self-esteem. In this report, we'll share some ideas on how this can be done.
First, let's review the five common problems your child may encounter
1. Timid and shy
Children who are quiet and unassertive find it difficult to interact with both peers and adults. They can find themselves overlooked in both school and social settings.
It is difficult for such children to "break out of their shell" in order to build friendships and gain leadership skills, both essential qualities for personal development.
2. Loner, not a leader
Shyness and a lack of self-confidence force children onto the sidelines and away from the action.
Children who fail to participate in activities do not allow their skills to develop, further lowering their self-esteem and insecurity.
Leadership in particular is a quality that must be learned. Children who are not encouraged to build this skill lose out on this powerful opportunity.
3. Bully magnet
As a parent, there is nothing more agonizing than knowing your child is suffering from the emotional abuse of a bully.
If you, too, were bullied as a child, you know yourself that the scars can take a lifetime to heal.
Sadly, children who are quiet, shy and unassuming tend to get bullied. For such children, it is essential that they turn their attitude around and learn the steps they must take to avoid this problem.
4. Hesitant to try new things
Children can view new experiences as exciting challenges -- or as insurmountable barriers. It's all in the attitude.
The fear of failure is a powerful deterrent to trying new things and gaining new skills. It contributes to feelings of low self-esteem.
If a child is easily overwhelmed, it's important to introduce new concepts and experiences step by step.
5. Caves into peer pressure
Do you worry that your child might be saying "yes" when he or she should be saying "no?"
A child needs tremendous strength and good character to avoid the dangers and temptations that young people encounter in today's society.
If you suspect your child is in with the wrong crowd, don't wait until it is too late to help them build the character they need.
We have solutions!
There are many ways of addressing the problems of insecurity and shyness. After our extensive work with kids of all ages, here are methods we've found to be most effective:
Confidence
Every great success starts with one important factor: enough faith in yourself to get the job done.
With that firm foundation, truly anything is possible.
Building a child's confidence is all about personal empowerment, giving them the chance to succeed, and acknowledging that success.
From there, the sky's the limit.
Attitude
Confidence that shows -- that's how we define a good attitude.
A bright smile, a firm handshake, a straight posture and a strong voice project confidence.
Peers and teachers take notice of children with a winning attitude. It is greatly important, therefore, to be friendly and helpful, both at home and at school.
Opportunity
We all want our children to become leaders. But how exactly can we get it done?
Helping around the house and volunteering in the community are some places to start. As they master tasks and chores, their responsibility will also grow.
Few of us are natural born leaders; it is a skill that must be learned through experience. The essential key, then, is to give a child the opportunity to become a leader.
Action Plan
It's not very useful to tell a child to avoid a bully if you can't tell the child how to do so.
Children need to understand there is a very specific course of action to be taken in dangerous situations.
Does your child know exactly what to do if he or she is being harassed by a bully? Do they know what to do if approached by a stranger?
If you have specific instructions, discuss them with your child on occasion. In cases like this, knowledge is power indeed.
MARTIAL ARTS CAN HELP
It's one thing to hold the keys to helping your child build confidence. It's another thing, though, to start the motor and make it happen.
Many of these time-tested principles are difficult for parents to implement alone. They take time, effort and constant reinforcement.
Here's where martial arts can help. The group dynamics, our positive approach and our strong moral code help foster the skills that will last a lifetime.
Martial arts builds confidence
If your child is shy, it might be hard to imagine him or her putting on a uniform, stepping onto the mat and learning martial arts.
Martial arts instructors understand this fear and can turn such experiences into powerful lessons of empowerment.
Martial arts instructors undergo extensive training. They know how to build an excellent rapport by offering plenty of praise and encouragement.
It is their job to bring out the best in every child.
Martial arts deters bullies
Martial arts schools teach children exactly how to make the bullying stop -- and it doesn't involve fighting. Martial arts builds confidence.
Along with the martial arts skills, children learn how to deflect verbal and physical confrontation through role-playing exercises and guidelines.
Martial arts students learn how to be in control during such situations -- so on the playground, bullies get the message.
Martial arts is the right stuff
Confident, strong and happy -- We all have a strong vision of how we want our children to turn out.
The decisions we make today have great bearing on our children's futures. A child who is insecure today is susceptible to negative peer pressure in the future.
Martial arts provide positive experiences for children, and offers tangible goals and rewards that help them stay focused.
Having strong, positive role models -- from the instructors to the higher-ranking students -- helps reinforce the values parents are working to teach at home.
We call it a black-belt attitude. It is both our goal -- and our code of conduct.
Our children have big choices ahead of them in the future, choices between right and wrong. They need to have good influences around them.
If you'd like to learn more about how martial arts can improve your child's self-confidence, please contact us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Or, better yet, let your child experience the confidence-building benefits themselves by taking advantage of our valuable summer special, 8weeks for $99 and get their official champions uniform and tshirt!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
15 Ways To Reduce Stress At Home And At The Office
If you are feeling stressed out you are not alone. There are ways to reduce stressful situations in your life, but the first thing you need to do is - well, learn to relax!
1. Prioritize. It’s hard to be relaxed when you feel overwhelmed. If you prioritize tasks at home and at work, you may find this simple task will help ease tension. Take the time to decide what has to be done today. Then decide what needs immediate attention.
2. Take action. Once you know what needs to be done, don’t procrastinate. Do the immediate tasks first. If you make that call, dictate that letter, or take care of a nagging problem, it may give you a little peace of mind. Sometimes just getting the task out of the way makes you feel a whole lot better.
3. Breathe. Many of us have forgotten how to breathe. Okay, we take short breaths, the kind that make you anxious, but those long, deep, relaxing inhale/exhale routines they teach in yoga class - that’s the kind of breathing that reduces stress. Just make an effort to do some deep breathing once in a while and it may work wonders. It may also be essential, especially after you find out your deadline has been changed to tomorrow or your teenager has gotten into a fender bender in the new car.
4. Take breaks. You will have more energy and feel more relaxed if you allow yourself time to unwind. Even five or ten minutes of sipping tea, closing your eyes, or just staring out at the clear blue sky can be beneficial.
5. Set boundaries. If you have a co-worker, boss, friend or husband who rants and raves routinely, you need to find a way to discourage them. This may take some creative thinking, but it is important to find ways to divert this behavior. Some people simply walk away or politely tell the offending party to come back when they are calm. However, if the ranting and raving continues despite your best efforts, you may have some hard decisions to make about the job or relationship.
6. Go out on a regular basis and enjoy yourself. Go to the movies, see a play or dance the night away. Hire a babysitter and enjoy a candlelit dinner with your loved one. Whatever the occasion, it is important to take time out for recreation.
7. Spend time with your family. If you are spending too much time at the office and neglecting your family, this is bound to cause tension and hurt feelings. Make some time to eat together, watch a video, play a game or take a walk. After all, they are the reason you are working so hard aren’t they?
8. Laughter. You know the old saying – laughter is the best medicine. Some people swear it is a cure for almost anything, including disease. Whatever it does do, laughing makes us feel good. Why not enjoy a funny movie, cartoons, tell a joke and watch the tensions disappear?
9. Don’t take on the world. You don’t have to be superman or superwoman every minute of every day. There are others who are capable of shouldering responsibility, both at home and at the office. All you have to do is ask, but if you don’t ask for help, they won’t know you need it. The truth is most people like to be asked for help, they like to feel that they are needed.
10. Socialize. Call a friend. Go for coffee, talk about old times, reminisce, enjoy each other’s success and commiserate about hard times. Making time for your friends can help to ease (and sometimes forget about) your worries.
11. Support groups. There’s one for just about everything, from alcoholism to gambling. If you have any addictive tendencies, these groups can help you connect with others in a supportive environment.
12. Get some sleep. Believe it or not most of us are walking around sleep deprived a lot of the time. When you are tired it’s difficult to deal with stress because your body isn’t in top form. Try to find an extra half hour or fifteen minutes a day to snooze. If you can’t get to bed earlier, try getting up later, or catch a nap in the afternoon. Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, allowing your body to rest will be helpful.
13. Try something alternative. If yoga suits you, that’s good. Or maybe you prefer soothing music, meditation, essential oils, herbal teas and chanting. There are many alternative ways to help reduce stress in your life.
14. Exercise. Just about any physical activity can be beneficial in getting rid of stress, whether it be aerobics, swimming, hiking, or taking a brisk walk. People who exercise burn off a lot more than just calories. Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a workout? Those feelings of well being can help in your defense against stress.
15. Finally, have patience. Be patient with yourself and other human beings. A little patience will go a long way with your children, boss, neighbors, pets, or just about anyone that crosses your path. Next time you find yourself getting impatient, why not let it roll off your back? Ask yourself - How important is this? You may find you are getting worked up about things that really aren’t important.
Now that you’ve read through the list, don’t get stressed out about it. These suggestions are only a guide. Put the list on your refrigerator, next to your rolodex or in your purse, so that the next time you feel tension mounting you can try one of these ideas. Now … doesn’t that feel better?
1. Prioritize. It’s hard to be relaxed when you feel overwhelmed. If you prioritize tasks at home and at work, you may find this simple task will help ease tension. Take the time to decide what has to be done today. Then decide what needs immediate attention.
2. Take action. Once you know what needs to be done, don’t procrastinate. Do the immediate tasks first. If you make that call, dictate that letter, or take care of a nagging problem, it may give you a little peace of mind. Sometimes just getting the task out of the way makes you feel a whole lot better.
3. Breathe. Many of us have forgotten how to breathe. Okay, we take short breaths, the kind that make you anxious, but those long, deep, relaxing inhale/exhale routines they teach in yoga class - that’s the kind of breathing that reduces stress. Just make an effort to do some deep breathing once in a while and it may work wonders. It may also be essential, especially after you find out your deadline has been changed to tomorrow or your teenager has gotten into a fender bender in the new car.
4. Take breaks. You will have more energy and feel more relaxed if you allow yourself time to unwind. Even five or ten minutes of sipping tea, closing your eyes, or just staring out at the clear blue sky can be beneficial.
5. Set boundaries. If you have a co-worker, boss, friend or husband who rants and raves routinely, you need to find a way to discourage them. This may take some creative thinking, but it is important to find ways to divert this behavior. Some people simply walk away or politely tell the offending party to come back when they are calm. However, if the ranting and raving continues despite your best efforts, you may have some hard decisions to make about the job or relationship.
6. Go out on a regular basis and enjoy yourself. Go to the movies, see a play or dance the night away. Hire a babysitter and enjoy a candlelit dinner with your loved one. Whatever the occasion, it is important to take time out for recreation.
7. Spend time with your family. If you are spending too much time at the office and neglecting your family, this is bound to cause tension and hurt feelings. Make some time to eat together, watch a video, play a game or take a walk. After all, they are the reason you are working so hard aren’t they?
8. Laughter. You know the old saying – laughter is the best medicine. Some people swear it is a cure for almost anything, including disease. Whatever it does do, laughing makes us feel good. Why not enjoy a funny movie, cartoons, tell a joke and watch the tensions disappear?
9. Don’t take on the world. You don’t have to be superman or superwoman every minute of every day. There are others who are capable of shouldering responsibility, both at home and at the office. All you have to do is ask, but if you don’t ask for help, they won’t know you need it. The truth is most people like to be asked for help, they like to feel that they are needed.
10. Socialize. Call a friend. Go for coffee, talk about old times, reminisce, enjoy each other’s success and commiserate about hard times. Making time for your friends can help to ease (and sometimes forget about) your worries.
11. Support groups. There’s one for just about everything, from alcoholism to gambling. If you have any addictive tendencies, these groups can help you connect with others in a supportive environment.
12. Get some sleep. Believe it or not most of us are walking around sleep deprived a lot of the time. When you are tired it’s difficult to deal with stress because your body isn’t in top form. Try to find an extra half hour or fifteen minutes a day to snooze. If you can’t get to bed earlier, try getting up later, or catch a nap in the afternoon. Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, allowing your body to rest will be helpful.
13. Try something alternative. If yoga suits you, that’s good. Or maybe you prefer soothing music, meditation, essential oils, herbal teas and chanting. There are many alternative ways to help reduce stress in your life.
14. Exercise. Just about any physical activity can be beneficial in getting rid of stress, whether it be aerobics, swimming, hiking, or taking a brisk walk. People who exercise burn off a lot more than just calories. Have you ever noticed how good you feel after a workout? Those feelings of well being can help in your defense against stress.
15. Finally, have patience. Be patient with yourself and other human beings. A little patience will go a long way with your children, boss, neighbors, pets, or just about anyone that crosses your path. Next time you find yourself getting impatient, why not let it roll off your back? Ask yourself - How important is this? You may find you are getting worked up about things that really aren’t important.
Now that you’ve read through the list, don’t get stressed out about it. These suggestions are only a guide. Put the list on your refrigerator, next to your rolodex or in your purse, so that the next time you feel tension mounting you can try one of these ideas. Now … doesn’t that feel better?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
How To Get Your Kid's To Do Homework
Has getting your kids to do their homework become your second job? Make the process less painful with these strategies. You will need a willingness to get involved in your children’s studies, flexibility, self-sacrifice, and motivators.
Step 1: As soon as your kids come home, ask to see their homework assignments. If they see that you’re on top of their schoolwork, they’ll be more apt to do the same.
Step 2: Let the kids feel they’re somewhat in charge by giving them the choice when to do their homework – before dinner, after dinner, or half before and half after.
Step 3: Be available to answer questions or help with problems, but don’t make homework time even more painful for your kids by hovering over them, judging everything they do.
Step 4: Cut out anything that will distract them from doing their work even if that means you can’t watch TV or chat on the phone during homework time.
While your kids are working, do some “homework” of your own, like paying bills or reading a trade journal. This will make the whole concept of homework seem less unfair.
Step 5: Be generous with praise including offering kudos for simply doing the homework without carping about it. Young children in particular respond well to praise.
Step 6: Give them role models to look up to, people who did their homework like Einstein and Marie Curry.
Step 7: Offer incentives for getting for getting homework done consistently like clothing, a video game, a family trip to an amusement park or permission to go to a concert or party they’re dying to attend.
Step 8: Point out how the skills they are learning now will help them in the future. For example, tell you would-be actress daughter that she won’t be able to memorize her lines if she’s not a stellar reader.
Talk to your kids teachers if you feel that their homework load is unreasonable. In elementary school, 10 minutes times the grade number is sufficient. More than 90 minutes for middle schoolers or more than 2 hours for high school students is excessive.
Step 9: Set up occasional study dates with friends. While each student’s work should definitely be their own, studying with a friend can make homework more palatable.
It might be wise to check with your kids’ teachers just to make sure working in a group is allowed.
Step 10: If nothing is working, try reverse psychology. Stop trying altogether and let your kids discover consequences of not doing homework. Just be welcoming when they come crawling back.
Did you know half the parents polled in a survey admitted to having serious fights with their kids over homework?
Step 1: As soon as your kids come home, ask to see their homework assignments. If they see that you’re on top of their schoolwork, they’ll be more apt to do the same.
Step 2: Let the kids feel they’re somewhat in charge by giving them the choice when to do their homework – before dinner, after dinner, or half before and half after.
Step 3: Be available to answer questions or help with problems, but don’t make homework time even more painful for your kids by hovering over them, judging everything they do.
Step 4: Cut out anything that will distract them from doing their work even if that means you can’t watch TV or chat on the phone during homework time.
While your kids are working, do some “homework” of your own, like paying bills or reading a trade journal. This will make the whole concept of homework seem less unfair.
Step 5: Be generous with praise including offering kudos for simply doing the homework without carping about it. Young children in particular respond well to praise.
Step 6: Give them role models to look up to, people who did their homework like Einstein and Marie Curry.
Step 7: Offer incentives for getting for getting homework done consistently like clothing, a video game, a family trip to an amusement park or permission to go to a concert or party they’re dying to attend.
Step 8: Point out how the skills they are learning now will help them in the future. For example, tell you would-be actress daughter that she won’t be able to memorize her lines if she’s not a stellar reader.
Talk to your kids teachers if you feel that their homework load is unreasonable. In elementary school, 10 minutes times the grade number is sufficient. More than 90 minutes for middle schoolers or more than 2 hours for high school students is excessive.
Step 9: Set up occasional study dates with friends. While each student’s work should definitely be their own, studying with a friend can make homework more palatable.
It might be wise to check with your kids’ teachers just to make sure working in a group is allowed.
Step 10: If nothing is working, try reverse psychology. Stop trying altogether and let your kids discover consequences of not doing homework. Just be welcoming when they come crawling back.
Did you know half the parents polled in a survey admitted to having serious fights with their kids over homework?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Accomplish Your Goals In 2010
It’s that time of year again—the time of year when new beginnings bring on a flurry of resolutions. This is going to be your year to lose weight, get that job promotion, or learn a new skill.
Yet, do you find that your resolutions and goals often go unfulfilled? If you do, you’re not alone.
Most people abandon their goals shortly after making them. So what separates those who fulfill their dreams from those who don’t?
People who realize their goals often set something called SMART goals.
SMART goals are:
Specific.
The person setting the goal can spell out exactly what he or she wants to do. Instead of “I want to lose weight,” a specific goal would be “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months.”
Measurable.
The goal can be measured, so you can determine whether or not you achieve it. Instead of saying “I want to increase my career network,” a measurable goal would be, “I want to increase my career network by four contacts per month.”
Achievable.
An achievable goal is reasonable. For example, “I want to enroll in a Spanish language course and begin to learn Spanish,” instead of “I want to be fluent in Spanish by spring.”
Realistic.
Goals that are realistic are those that take into consideration your skill set, abilities, and resources. For example, if your goal is to get a promotion, you need to assess whether you currently have the experience and skill set for the job.
Timely.
Goals should have a time frame, instead of being open ended. For example, “I will clean out my attic by the end of the weekend,” instead of “I will clean out my attic.”
While your goals may vary from year to year, one perennial goal should be to keep up with your regular chiropractic care. Give us a call today to make an appointment, and be SMART about your protection and your health!
5 Insider Secrets For Making New Friends
It hurts, doesn’t it, when your child has a hard time making friends? Some kids make friends easily; many others need some coaching.
But good news! These important social skills are easy to teach, and easy to rehearse at home. Practice these strategies with your child:
1. Teach your child to introduce himself to as many people as possible; he might say, for example, "Hi, my name is Trevor...what's yours?" Practice saying this with a SMILE, and a HANDSHAKE!
2. Remind your child to ask questions when they’ve met somebody new, ...to find out what type of things their new friend is interested in. Help your child understand how to encourage their new friend to talk about their interests!
Rehearse questions like...
"So, what kind of stuff do you like to do?”
and
“What did you do last weekend?”
3. It's OK to make friends with kids who are popular, but remind your child to also look for new friends among the kids who are less popular. Watch for kids who are eating, walking, or playing alone!
4. Sometimes kids try to rush things too much in the early stages of friendship. Point out that good friendships are often developed slowly!
5. Explain to your child that EVERYBODY, at times, is shy about making new friends...encourage your child to take the initiative. Remind him that his BEST FRIENDS were once his NEW FRIENDS!
6. And, of course, the best way to HAVE a friend is to BE a friend! Remind you child to be polite, interested, helpful, and fun to be around!
Rehearse these strategies a couple of times each week, and your child will learn to make friends easily!
But good news! These important social skills are easy to teach, and easy to rehearse at home. Practice these strategies with your child:
1. Teach your child to introduce himself to as many people as possible; he might say, for example, "Hi, my name is Trevor...what's yours?" Practice saying this with a SMILE, and a HANDSHAKE!
2. Remind your child to ask questions when they’ve met somebody new, ...to find out what type of things their new friend is interested in. Help your child understand how to encourage their new friend to talk about their interests!
Rehearse questions like...
"So, what kind of stuff do you like to do?”
and
“What did you do last weekend?”
3. It's OK to make friends with kids who are popular, but remind your child to also look for new friends among the kids who are less popular. Watch for kids who are eating, walking, or playing alone!
4. Sometimes kids try to rush things too much in the early stages of friendship. Point out that good friendships are often developed slowly!
5. Explain to your child that EVERYBODY, at times, is shy about making new friends...encourage your child to take the initiative. Remind him that his BEST FRIENDS were once his NEW FRIENDS!
6. And, of course, the best way to HAVE a friend is to BE a friend! Remind you child to be polite, interested, helpful, and fun to be around!
Rehearse these strategies a couple of times each week, and your child will learn to make friends easily!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Parents Coaching Tips - Black Belt Success
Some helpful hints on how to coach your child to Black Belt Success
DO: Always, always compliment your child after each class (find something they did well). This is also a great time to give out a hug or kiss (these are free so be generous). High 5’s work great, too!
DON’T: Criticize your child during or immediately after class. Use the PCP (Praise/Correct/Praise) principle and do so at the appropriate time.
DO: Watch as many classes as possible. Get involved, be your child’s #1 fan and cheerleader.
DON’T: Be a “Drop Off Parent” (We miss you when you’re not there).
DO: Tell your child how proud you are of him/her (anytime is great).
DON’T: Complain about traffic, your busy schedule, or money in from of children. They can begin to feel guilty or selfish.
DO: Get into a regular schedule as much as possible so children can mentally prepare for class early in the day.
DON’T: Threaten to take TaeKwonDo away when they misbehave at home.
DO: Take advantage of teams and special classes we offer, involvement leads to commitment.
DON’T: Criticize, instead encourage your child.
DO: Lead by example, eat healthy, drink water, have a positive attitude. Deal with stress and challenges the same way you would want your children to.
DO: Give your child the thing they want more than anything else in the world, your time!
Working together as a team…nothing can stop us! We always say “The goals we set are the goals we get!”
DO: Always, always compliment your child after each class (find something they did well). This is also a great time to give out a hug or kiss (these are free so be generous). High 5’s work great, too!
DON’T: Criticize your child during or immediately after class. Use the PCP (Praise/Correct/Praise) principle and do so at the appropriate time.
DO: Watch as many classes as possible. Get involved, be your child’s #1 fan and cheerleader.
DON’T: Be a “Drop Off Parent” (We miss you when you’re not there).
DO: Tell your child how proud you are of him/her (anytime is great).
DON’T: Complain about traffic, your busy schedule, or money in from of children. They can begin to feel guilty or selfish.
DO: Get into a regular schedule as much as possible so children can mentally prepare for class early in the day.
DON’T: Threaten to take TaeKwonDo away when they misbehave at home.
DO: Take advantage of teams and special classes we offer, involvement leads to commitment.
DON’T: Criticize, instead encourage your child.
DO: Lead by example, eat healthy, drink water, have a positive attitude. Deal with stress and challenges the same way you would want your children to.
DO: Give your child the thing they want more than anything else in the world, your time!
Working together as a team…nothing can stop us! We always say “The goals we set are the goals we get!”
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