How Parents Can Set Their Kids Up For Success - St. Martin Martial Arts Academy

In our modern world, we often see parents ask their kids things instead of demanding them.

We often see parents negotiating.

I, for one, do not negotiate with my martial arts students.

I tell them what to do and they do it exactly as I say it.

There are no if, ands, or buts.

If they have a problem with it, there will be consequences because every action has its own consequence.

Here are a few southern lifestyle tips to set your child up for greatness. Many of these I learned and developed from the jiu-jitsu culture:

1. Hold your child accountable for his/her grades - In my mind, there's no reason every student shouldn't be making straight A's. If a student is genuinely trying his very best, chances are, he's going to get an A.
2. Every action has a consequence - If your child makes a mistake and acts up, he/she must understand that their actions have consequences. For example, if your child goes out doing something they shouldn't be doing, they must understand that their will be consequences for their actions.
3. Make your child clean - This was taught to me from the moment I could walk. In Kindergarten, if I got a toy out, I was instructed to put it back in its place. Children are taught these concepts, but they must be reminded of them every now and then.
4. KEEP THEM OFF THE CELL PHONE - I can't describe to you how many 9 year olds I see with iPhones nowadays. The cell phone is addicting and literally changes the structure of a child's brain. A child can't focus if they have a cell phone discracting them. Keep them off of it. It's for their benefit.
5. Praise the EFFORT - If you see that your child is genuinely trying, then make sure to compliment them for it. If they're trying there very best, they will succeed. However, if your child is giving minimum or no effort, then make sure to get them back on track.

Check out a similar article on KidsHealth.org