There are so many benefits for children who participate in martial arts. This includes things like setting goals for themselves, learn to focus, learn to not only respect themselves but their peers as well, and giving their self-confidence a boost.
As parents, we all want our children to have self-confidence as they go about their daily routines. Having that confidence allows them to be leaders instead of followers, to raise their hands in class and answer questions, and participate in society.
While some of us are born with this sort of assurance oozing out of our pores, it does not come so easily to others. Sometimes new things can be downright scary and for those children, a little push out the door may be helpful. The more new things you try, the more you succeed at, and the higher your self-confidence becomes.
You may be thinking that a class will cause your child to become more aggressive, but in truth, the teachers work to show students the importance of respect and how to give it to those around them, not only toward adults but to their peers as well. This means that not only will your child learn how to show respect, but they will see what it is like to have that same respect given back to them by their peers, which can do wonders in an of itself to decrease a child’s poor self-image and boost confidence.
So what is it about martial arts that really helps to give kids the self-esteem they need to succeed throughout their lives?
Structure
All kids thrive on structure. They are happiest when they know what to expect. When something is going to begin or end, where to go, and what is going to happen. Knowing what to expect can help reduce any anxiety or fear children may be having about the situation, instead of helping them to feel ready to succeed.
Offering a Safe Environment to Experience Failure
Think about it. When you try something new and are not that good at it, would you want someone telling you negative comments, or pushing you to try again? Martial arts helps to create a positive environment for children to gain the courage they need to continue to try new things and become successful in everything they do while being firm about their expectations at the same time.
When children fail at something, parents and teachers can help by continuing to be positive, take a closer look at what happened, and to help the child think of a new way to try the activity so that they may be more successful the next time.
Be Firm
Sometimes children develop irrational fears about something when it is new and unknown to them. As parents and teachers, we can help to reduce that feeling by pushing the child to finish an activity while remaining by their side as they try. Sometimes an activity must be accomplished, and there is not an option to quit, like going to school. A child may have a fear of going to school for the first time, but as parents, we do not give in to that fear and let the child stay home. Instead, you offer your child a bit of firm support, insisting that she go to school while at the same time remaining positive about what the experience will be like.
Progress is What is Important
While setting goals and working toward them is important, it is also important that children do not simply expect to have instant results for the things they try. Instead, giving importance to each step along the way will offer your child more determination as they no longer feel like a failure for not completing an activity fast enough.
Offering a Role Model
Children thrive when they have others around them who are positive, smile, are willing to try new things and offer support. Role models in this sport can be found not only in the teachers but in fellow students, who may be a little older than your child, or even the same age.
Defense
Bullying is an unfortunate problem across the world. With one out of every five children facing the issue every day, it is important that they build the self-esteem they need to stand up for themselves when necessary.
While it is not the main focus of the class, the arts to teach children how to defend themselves when necessary. Violence will not be promoted, but just knowing they have the skills to stand up for themselves may give a child who is routinely the subject of attack for a bully the self-confidence they need to get through their day without being afraid.
Size and Gender Do Not Matter
The arts focus on teaching your child that it is hard work and perseverance that will lead them to success. Focusing on techniques that help smaller individuals come out on top will help to show your child that everyone has the ability to succeed, no matter their size or gender.
All of these things help to boost assurance in children. Having the ability to think introspectively will, in turn, help your child to have more respect for himself as well as for others, no matter a person’s age, size, or gender, which is a great confidence booster.
The same results can be accomplished in your own house. Take a closer look at your family routines and change them around so that your children always know what to expect. It is also important to reward your child when they are successful at something, which can be done simply with your love and support.
