As we enter the final few weeks of the summer holidays (I bet some of you are cheering right now, but others will be moaning), I’m sure that most of you are thinking about the return to normality and the challenge of re-establishing your child’s routine. Undoubtedly, you’re also thinking about the school uniform, preparing packed lunches and forcing the kids to do their homework, too. Unfortunately, returning to routine causes problems for both parents and children!
It has been absolutely no surprise that a few students have not been particularly positive about attending training through the summer holidays. The general feedback I have been getting is that many children have a right moan and groan about doing anything unless it involves doing what they want! Am I right or am I right?
We now have two weeks off as Sir is on holiday (yippee!), so in September, expect the worst: “I hate school I don’t want to go!”
“I don’t want to do martial arts anymore!”
“Why do I have to go to bed early again?”
Tears, arguing and tantrums go hand in hand with a return to normality and routine.
But remember, although it is essential for them to be able to express themselves, the fact is they were loving their lessons before the holidays began and it is our decision to choose what is right for them and not theirs! The lessons I teach them now will have a considerable impact on their future. Children don’t fully understand how their B-smart classes will not only give them the skills to succeed, but they will also gain the skills to defend themselves when faced with conflict. Unfortunately, this is something that many of our youngsters do face and having a backup plan is always useful. Children tend not to look long term and think beyond the end of the day or week perhaps.
Of course, after a summer of relative freedom (especially after some really challenging times these past couple of years), later nights and no pressure to engage themselves mentally, a child is not going to want to go back to doing anything! And that's without the added pressures of school. However, through all the kicking and screaming, the majority of the time, kids love school, spending time with their friends again, re-establishing their routine, and they definitely love their B-smart martial arts classes.
The battle is with the immediate interest: the TV, The iPad, the Xbox or the PS4! These items are always going to be the easiest option for a child. While in moderation, they are fine, they aren’t always the right option, and sometimes, we must be tough in order to pass on and teach the lessons that we know are invaluable to our children’s future!
Right, that's enough of me blabbering on. I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer holiday. I will enjoy my two weeks off, but I am also looking forward to seeing everyone back in September!
Take care and B-smart 2 B-safe
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