Keep the Kids Motivated

Fu-For-You, Fu-For-You Fall 2017, Parent's Column

Sifu Patricia Fievoli

by Sifu Patricia Fievoli

Parent’s Corner

Whether you are new to WKFA or have been involved with the Academy for years, you too may find September feels like a new beginning. With every new beginning it is important to have goals and a plan to stay motivated and on track.   Parents can play an important role in helping training students feel motivated.

Motivational Ideas:

  1. Support your child to arrive on time for class.
  2. Share healthy snacks.   Talk about the intrinsic rewards such as building strength and health.
  3. Schedule practice times where everyone in the home is doing something physical!
  4. Provide motivational cues such as posters, sayings, photographs, certificates and belt displays. Inspire your child through examples and stories.
  5. Help set goals. (See below)
  6. Have regular Kung Fu discussions. Share experiences. Tell them how you get motivated to do things in your own life. Avoid reflecting your own frustration and anxiety if you have any surrounding their training habits and Kung Fu journey.
  7. Involve family and friends. Invite others to come and try Kung Fu.
  8. Train as a family. There are a variety of programs at WKFA, also see #3 above.
  9. Provide encouraging comments and feedback. If your child lacks enthusiasm, ask them why. Explore ideas to address any issues.
  10. Ensure needs for training are met. If you require assistance with purchasing sparring equipment or weapons please see Sifu.

Setting Goals:

  1. ACHIEVABLE: Goals should be achievable with (reasonable) effort.   Finding the right balance is key.
  2. MEASURABLE: Goals need to be specific. Avoid saying things such as “do this better”. Work with your child’s Sifu and choose a particular item that your child can focus on. Sifu(s) will help students measure their own success.
  3. BREAK IT DOWN: A goal does not have to be one thing – for example, if your child wants to practice a form, help them break it down into pieces and set a goal for each piece. Smaller pieces are less intimidating and feel more easily achievable.   Avoid giving critical feedback at this stage as their Sifu(s) will guide them in their technique.
  4. MOTIVATIONAL: If it becomes a shared exercise, then your child will feel supported. Make sure all family members are maintaining a positive attitude.
  5. RESOURCEFULNESS: Let your child know that it is OK to ask for help along the way. This can come from you, an instructor, or a classmate. Encourage them to share with others what goal they are pursuing.
  6. TRACK IT: Write everything down in the training binder. A poster or a chalkboard can serve as a visual motivator as well. Find a creative way to recognize goals that have been achieved.
  7. POSITIVE: Give your children a good example by showing them some of your personal goals and how you are making progress.