How to train your child at home

As instructors, we set goals for our students.  At ATA Elkton, there is a goal every two weeks.  Some students take longer to achieve them but most students stay right on track.  Depending on your rank, the requirements for stripes may change!  Ask your instructor if your not sure but one thing remains - you must practice at home to get it!

In between days that you have class, schedule a few training days.  The workouts don't have to be crazy, the best training I've ever had have been low-key and for between 15-45 minutes.  I just review all my material and practice doing it perfect or practice performing with speed and power!  

You can do the same thing!  And the best part- you don't even have to know how to do it perfect.  Practice whatever you know, however you know it.  When you come to class next time, you'll be able to polish it up and improve.

"But he won't practice at home with me!"  You have to make it their IDEA to practice!  Don't try and force it.  Kids know better than adults - no one can force you to do anything - NOTHING.  But if you make it their idea, they will be more likely to stick with it.  

Here's how the conversation can go:

"Mr. Hayhurst really wants you to practice at home by just doing your forms a few times.  How long do you think he wants you to practice at home"

Kid says, "I don't know, like 6 hours?" (Most kids don't get the concept of time)

Mom says, "Haha, I don't think that long.  Maybe like 5 minutes." (Understate because it's coming from Mr. Hayhurst, the kid will think it's a lot longer)

Kid says, "Yeah, probably like 20 minutes."

Mom says, "I bet you can practice for 20 minutes and not stop the whole time, you're pretty tough compared to some of the other kids." (Kids will always compare themselves, and it's OK.  Competition is GOOD!)

Kids says, "Yeah I could probably do 100 minutes!"

Mom says, "Well, what, like 2 days per week and then go to class 2 days per week?  Do you think that would be good enough for Mr. Hayhurst?"

Kid says, "That is probably good."

Mom says, "Well you have class on Mondays and Wednesdays, which days should you practice at home?"

Kid says, "Sunday and Thursday!"  (Probably just random days)

Mom says, "That sounds good, then let's try that, do you think Mr. Hayhurst would be proud that you practiced at home?  Let's tell him!"

Kid says, "Yeah!!"

There, you came up with a plan.  Now, write it down on 3 sheets of paper, really big like a sign.  Post one on the fridge, one on the child's bedroom door, and one on your bedroom door.  That way it's always all over the house and the kid knows what to expect.  Kids are creatures of habits whether they want you to believe that they are or not!  Post the exact time 6:15pm - 6:35pm on Sundays and Thursdays.  In addition, post the days that classes are too so if the child is busy with Nintendo DS or XBOX, they know class is soon and they have to save their games soon!  Then don't miss one workout.  Any kid can become a champion - ones without discipline, focus, or skill.  A lazy parent makes a lazy kid.  And lazy kids don't become champions!

Stick to it and stay strong!