After watching Karate Kid I and II, Parker has become very interested in martial arts. He loves to kick and punch pretend bad guys, and he was very excited to participate in his first karate class at the park district.
Unfortunately, something about the 6 foot instructor scared my poor boy. Parker cried at the beginning of the class, and refused to participate. There were about 15 children in all, and three boys (my son included) sat against the wall and cried for the duration of the class.
In Parker's defense, we didn't realize that we'd have a nazi leader. He was telling these 4-7 year old children, to focus and concentrate in order to facilitate an inner strength. Then he told the class that if he caught them talking or with their hands in their pockets, they'd have to do five push-ups. The instructor proceeded to explain that if you have your hands in your pockets, someone could come up and punch you, and you'd have no defense. Parker was literally shaking in fear. This boy is never going to put his hands in his pockets ever again! The moms and I exchanged several skeptical glances with one another, but said nothing.
I don't want Parker to be a quitter, so we are going to go to the remaining six sessions of the class. I want him to understand that while it is okay to be scared of situation, it's not okay to run away. I hope he gains confidence in accomplishing a task that once seemed so overwhelming. I want him to learn to push through difficult circumstances. Plus, I don't want a sissy!
My heart broke as I watched my puppy dog eyed son cower in fear every time the male instructor came near him. But, he isn't quitting. I'm not sure who this is harder on...me or him.
3 comments:
What a good mom teaching him not to quit. I think I would want to say ok you don't want to come back, ok. I hate seeing kids so scared and upset. I hope he starts to enjoy it. He looks so good and cute kicking his punching bag. Or whatever it is called. Have a great week.
Wow!
What a wise mother!
I kinda did that with Mark in wrestling...made him stick out the season, even tho the practices were like boot camp. I don't kno what I would've done if the instructor had been like Parker's tho. That's so tough! Hang in there, little buddy! xoxo
I was in martial arts for a bit when I was younger. I remember one time when I was 6, I was 5 minutes late for class. One of my instructors had been in the Marines, and he was the one who greeted me at the door. It was horrifying. He made me do 25 push ups, and said that it would double if I were late again.
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