While fear can be helpful in some situations, such as motivating us to stay safe, it can also hold us back from reaching our full potential. To go after our dreams, we’ll have to face our fears. But, first we should investigate further to fully understand… What is Fear? Most would say it’s the feeling […]
Can you guess the secret to a long and healthy life? It’s not expensive vitamins or pricey gym memberships. The answer is actually much simpler – eat better! By making small changes to your diet, you can drastically improve your health and well-being. Many of us know that our best days are the days that […]
It’s true what they say: “Life is full of obstacles”. Sometimes, it seems like there are a lot of obstacles in life that can stop us dead in our tracks. So, what does it take to overcome these challenges? To change our life takes energy! To overcome obstacles takes confidence! To bounce back from setbacks […]
There always seems to be new challenges arising in our lives. new challenges arising in our lives. We can choose to either grow with these changes, and adjust accordingly, or let them push our buttons that trigger anxiety, doubt, hesitation and procrastination. But don’t worry. Even though everything may shift constantly throughout our lives, there is […]
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and forget about the importance of always striving to improve ourselves. But whether we realize it or not, making constant and never ending improvement a habit is essential for success in all aspects of our lives. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression CANI, or “Constant And […]
I was recently reading an article that talked about how to overcome our fears. It was a great article, but it got me thinking about something else. What if you didn’t fear fear? How would you live your life? I’m sure you can think of a time when fear held you back from doing something. […]
Known around the world for over half a century as an exercise that can improve your balance and flexibility, Tai Chi has also been shown in research to help heal the heart. The slow-tempo movements are helped by deep breathing which causes blood flow throughout our bodies increase; this helps combat stress because we feel […]
Parents, we all want our children to grow up with good manners and be respectful. Sometimes it can get challenging when their little personalities start coming out and they don’t know how to control themselves. As a parent, I’m sure there’s at least ONE situation that comes to mind where your child displayed a lack […]
How long does it take to earn a Black Belt at Life Skill Martial Arts? Best case scenario: 4 – 5 years 4 – 5 years of consistency. 4 – 5 years of challenging training. 4 – 5 years of dedication. 4 – 5 long years. 4 – 5 years is not an “activity” we […]
Over the years We’ve heard this statement thousands of times. To be very clear and honest about this statement. Children don’t quit things, parents do. This statement is usually a way to play mental gymnastics on who’s responsibility it is to make decisions on what’s best for our family. By saying “my child wants to […]
Working to strengthen the connection with our loved ones is something we all want and we all can do. I know there are a lot of parents who feel like they’re just not as connected with their kids as in their past. It can be hard to find time for one another, when parents work […]
It’s amazing how much confidence a child has in themselves when they’re just getting started with life. They feel safe trying new things because their parents have faith in them, and that gives kids courage to take risks on what might seem scary at first glance! But, the fear of disappointing others can make a […]
What’s one thing that every parent in the world wants for their children? A Nice Social Life. Nice Friends. Even if they are friendly, it may take children a long time to connect with others. If your child is struggling with this, martial arts may be the answer. However, martial arts training can help kids […]
Programs for children are all around us. From day care centers to recreational sports and everything in between, options for parents to choose from are abounding. And although parents want what is best for their children, they often aren’t aware of the notable distinctions between the programs they are considering. To get the most out […]
One of my friends asked: “Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time for your son to do martial arts?” Well I have a confession to make: I don’t pay for Martial Arts! I don’t pay for my son’s martial arts lessons. I don’t pay for his focus mitts….. or uniforms, […]
Do your kids have a hard time staying on task? Are they constantly getting distracted and unable to focus, even when you’re not around? It’s normal that children will experience issues with concentration as childhood progresses; after all no two people mature in exactly the same way! And who hasn’t seen an underperforming child […]
Studies have shown that children who are well-disciplined tend to do better in school, be more successful when they enter the workforce and have a higher self-esteem. Parents are always looking for ways to help their kids develop self-discipline in a world where it is hard to find. Martial arts training can be the perfect […]
Martial arts may be the perfect solution. It can help kids stay in shape, learn self-defense skills, and make new friends. With the right instructor, it can be a fun way to get your child in shape while teaching them self-discipline and respect at the same time! Not only does it work out the body, […]
There are many benefits to martial arts training for children. Not only does it help them stay physically fit, but it also teaches them discipline and teamwork. Additionally, martial arts can help keep kids safe from bullies and predators. Here are ten ways martial arts can help keep your child safe: 1. martial arts can […]
Most people don’t love to travel, they just want to get from point A to B. However, I’ve always been a traveler at heart and have loved every single journey that has taken me somewhere new! Each place I visit is full of wonder and excitement as I explore the culture, make new friends, eat […]
There are so many things to worry about as a parent – sleep, feeding, clothes, playdates. In the past ten years, there’s been a growing concern for parents. Children suffering from anxiety is not uncommon these days. The world can be a scary place to live in, and it’s hard to know what the future […]
It is becoming more and more apparent that no one is to blame for everything that happens. So, if this is the case, how do we get ourselves in such turmoil if no one is responsible? Although this seems ridiculous, the use of “blame-shifting” has become the go-to way of justifying mistakes. When we have arguments or […]
In today’s world, there is an overgrowing focus on “me” and less on “us.” This “all-about-me” emphasis has led to a lack of empathy, which, in turn, results in more and more conflict. The primary reason for this…people do not listen. Their focus is on their own agenda, and they are not open to really […]
Parents have always served as the first, and typically, the most important role model for their children, even though family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well. However, in the wake of the pandemic, these people have had less of a presence in children’s lives which ultimately left […]
Your child needs to know that no matter what happens, you are always going to be a consistent parent. Maintaining consistency means that you are going to be patient, connected, adaptable, and edutaining with your child all the time so your child knows what to expect from you and you know what to expect from […]
The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by the news and begin feeling anxious […]
Adaptability is about how you respond to your child, especially when things do not go as planned. Your child will have a variety of great days, bad days, and everything in between. Here are a few ways you can apply adaptability to your parenting and keep your child motivated: Intrinsic Motivation Choices What do you […]
Let’s face it, conflict is hard and is bound to happen no matter what ground rules are put into place. Whether it’s on the playground or right in our own homes, children will clash. And while it can create challenging situations, it is a normal event that occurs between children. This is why conflict resolution […]
Being a nurturing parent means adjusting your child’s behaviors, not trying to change them. In other words, change the behavior, not the child. 1. Let them Know that Mistakes are Okay I get excited when my son makes a mistake because it gives me the opportunity to teach him, which is what parenting is all […]
By the time kids get to Middle School, the end up falling into one of these three basic groups: 1. THE FIRST GROUP IS THE LEADERS. These are the kids that think for themselves and make decisions for themselves based on what is right. 2. THE SECOND GROUP IS THE FOLLOWERS. These are the […]
Children and teens are involved in a myriad of physical activities and sports. And whether they are at a competitive or recreational level, the basic physical requirements are the same. In order to achieve optimum training levels, it’s important that the exercises prepare the athlete for the best physical outcome. The safest way to begin […]
Be the parent your child needs you to be. They need you to be in their world. That means interacting and playing with them on their level to prompt them through the tasks and chores they don’t want to do. Here are some tips and examples on using effectively using edutainment with your child. Practice Healthy […]
Stress is a significant part of our lives today. And while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Academic pressure, social tensions, family stressors, etc. all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, it’s important for parents to help their children develop coping skills by guiding […]
How can you set your child up for daily success? One of the most effective ways to do this is to focus on prompting instead of punishment. Here’s what you need about prompting your child toward good behavior and decisions: 1. Friendly Competition One of the ways to prompt your child toward good behavior is […]
Power is very important! It is one of the principles in the Martial Arts. Without power your kicks and strikes would be useless. If you cannot generate power, an attacker would just laugh at your feeble attempts of self-defense. Generating power gives one a sense of immense confidence. But as Uncle Ben told Peter […]
Bullying has become an epidemic in recent years. Yes, there have always been bullies, and yes, those bullies have always caused serious and lasting damage to their victims; however, bullying in the 21st century has changed – and not for the better. According to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, one in four students has reported […]
If Your Kid is Shy… Here are two quick tips to help your shy kid open up. 1. Let them know it’s okay to be shy Our society places a ton of value on being outgoing. It also places a lot of judgment on being shy. Shy kids are often made even more shy because […]
We live in a competitive world and most parents would jump at the chance to give their child every advantage imaginable. The world can also be unkind and, as parents, we feel a need to protect our children from everything possible. And yes, parents are supposed to help and protect their children but when does […]
Studying the martial arts makes kids less destructive because it helps them control their movements. Now, you might be thinking, how can learning how to break a board with their hands help kids be less destructive? I know it seems counterintuitive, but it is true. Young kids don’t have the same motor control that adults […]
Which scary scenario are you agonizing over the most? Fear Of: Getting sick from Covid Your child being able to stay masked Other kids keeping their mask on Administrators enforcing the mask mandate Kids ability to hear and communicate and behave with a mask on Getting childcare after a sudden school closing or quarantine Getting […]
Millbury – Worcester, Massachusetts Parents! Would you like your child to become a martial arts superstar? Did you know that many famous Hollywood stars are actively training in martial arts? Here is one of the biggest karate star actors talking about his training martial arts training that helped him to stardom! “I think anything that […]
Every child desires to be loved and treated with so much value. When it comes to children, every little thing counts. Tracy had her first child in her middle 30’s after waiting for years. Being the only child, she decided to take it open herself to pamper her child, showing her all the affection she […]
Parents are an essential element to their child’s success in anything. The enthusiasm and support, or lack thereof, of a parent can make or break a child’s accomplishments. At LIFE SKILL martial arts, it is even more essential that parents be involved as part of the teaching team since the LIFE SKILL system applies child […]
Many times I think the parents of the newer martial arts students look out at the floor and see the instructors and black belt kids and say: “Man, I wish my kid tried that hard and looked like that!” I have even heard parents say “I wish my son was as focused as that little […]
Hey Millbury – Worcester Parents! Check out our latest martial arts blog article about benefits of Martial Art training for kids and teens. Then have your child join our martial arts classes in our beautiful facility in Millbury, Massachusetts. Tap here to get started now. 1) Fostering Self-Discipline One of the central tenets of our […]
LEADERS ARE READERS There are a few common habits that the most successful people keep. One of the most common is that they are voracious readers. The goal of LIFE SKILL classes is to help kids become the most successful versions of themselves. While our main tool for spurring development is age-specific martial arts training, […]
Have you ever tried to ask your 7 to 9-year-old, a question or to make a decision under pressure? Or worse, had them try to tell you a story in a limited amount of time? “So this one time…. You know how like, sometimes, if you like, like sometimes… I mean, yesterday, like this one […]
At Life Skill Martial Arts in Millbury, Massachusetts, I’ve had many people come up to me, over the past thirty years and tell me how impressed they were with their child’s development in the ares of confidence and communication. Our students take turns leading their small groups, practicing how to stand tall, use a clear voice […]
What is Success? For some people, the attainment of a long term goal is success. For others it may be the completion of smaller tasks. Similarly in Martial Arts training, achieving Black Belt or “under” belts may be what some students consider being successful. However, succeeding as a Martial Arts practitioner involves mastering the most […]
Is Your Child Ready for School? The past year and a half of school have been such a tumultuous ride. From school closures to virtual classes to partial reopening, it seems as if our children have experienced every out-of-the-norm scenario we could come up with. And although the goal was to keep them safe, children’s […]
Almost everyone knows that participating in martial arts classes provides an aerobic workout, but, what might surprise you is that it tones muscles too. A lot of people associate muscle toning by lifting weights or – in the case of abdominal muscles – doing planks. And sometimes they make the mistake of thinking that studying […]
Traditionally, if the term “Martial Arts Family” was used, it referred to the closeness and unity of fellow practitioners. Today, “Martial Arts Family” has been redefined by the increasing popularity of the Martial Arts within entire households. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters are learning the Martial Arts together. In today’s society, where everyone seems […]
We all may have that one child in our lives who has trouble focusing or sustaining attention. Perhaps the child is smart but you want to help them develop better-focusing skills for academic excellence. If you are looking for a way to help your child improve their focus and concentration, martial arts may just […]
Coloring has been a favorite activity for kids since kids have been a thing! The first child likely used mud to create wonderful works of pediatric art. The best part is that coloring is also a great tool for spurring development. (Want to download a free martial-arts-themed coloring book for your child? Scroll to the […]
Every month Martín’s parents took a trip to see Grandma and came home on the same train the next day. One day the child said to his parents: “I’m already grown up. Can I go to my grandma’s alone?” After a brief discussion, his parents accepted. They stood with him as he waited for the […]
A healthy diet is essential for kids’ physical and mental health. Meanwhile, the busy life style and convenience food have impacted kids’ health negatively. The adverse effects on their health may continue to leave their marks till adulthood and develop weight gain and other problems. Therefore, it is essential to get kids to adopt better […]
There’s no denying that advancements in technology have made our lives easier. We can work from home, shop online, and watch newly released movies, among many other things, all without leaving the couch. And while this saves us travel time and hassle, it can lead to unexpected health consequences. The reason is that we are […]
Do you ever feel like you can read your child’s mind? You know what they are going to do or say next because they have had the same reaction before? This is attunement. Improving your attunement skills will allow you to create a more patient and understanding relationship with your child. […]
Hey Friends and Families, The times when children are the most responsive and happy are when they are most connected with their parents. Everything from getting down on their eye level, physical touch, and committed attention makes a big difference. When it comes to fostering self-discipline and self-esteem, children need CONNECTION more than anything else! […]
The “Quarantine 15” has been yet another horrible reality of the pandemic. Not only were we separated, friend loved ones and friends, but unstructured days, decreased motivation, and increased boredom led to unhealthy habits for families. The result, for many, has been weight gain and reduced fitness levels, which has set the stage for disease and long-term […]
Did you know that many, many, many years ago some martial arts were taught in secrecy? Schools like Life Skill Martial Arts in Millbury, Massachusetts did not exist. Most students trained solely for self-defense and meditation. At that time the other benefits of martial arts training like focus, discipline, body awareness and motor skills were […]
In a world that highly values the traits of extroverted individuals, shy children are often assumed to have something wrong that needs to be fixed. However, shyness is simply a personality trait that is part of their temperament. Children are born with unique personalities, although the environment can play a significant role in how these […]
The ancient practice of Qigong is often referred to as “Standing Meditation” and/or “Moving Meditation”, with good reason. The slow, gentle movements associated with Qigong are ideal for calming the mind and relaxing the body. However, the main benefits of Qigong meditation come from the way it teaches you to control your breathing. During a […]
Fear of public speaking (Glossophobia) is a common form of anxiety. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. Many people with glossophobia avoid public speaking situations altogether which can lead to anxieties, depression and living a lower quality life. Our goal here at Life Skill Martial Arts in Millbury, Massachusetts, is […]
Here at Life Skill Martial Arts in Millbury, Massachusetts, we communicate with parents on daily basis. Over the years we discuss many topics regarding martial arts or karate training for kids and teens. One of the many benefits of training in our martial arts classes is the bully defense aspect. Often, I ask parents if […]
Parenting can be tricky. We want our children to be resilient, empathetic, and able to self-regulate. However, with the busyness of life, the experiences that build these characteristics fall by the wayside, and “no” becomes an automatic response. Children are continually being told what to do and what not to do. As a result, the […]
We Can Always Do More Than We Think We Can. In 1839, George Dantzig was a math major at Berkeley. He stayed up late one night studying and the next morning he was running late for class. When he arrived he saw some problems on the board and thought they were homework. So he wrote them […]
Children’s challenging behaviors have long been the focus of adults’ pessimistic viewpoint of characteristics that don’t fit the mold of societal expectations. This rigid “deficit thinking” causes parents to complain about their child’s qualities and make them try to “fix” what is wrong or make excuses as to why they can’t do certain things. However, […]
Most are aware of the benefits of physical activity for people of all ages… a stronger cardiovascular system, improved muscle tone, weight management, motor coordination, etc. Additionally, there are brain-boosting benefits that help children with brain function and learning, leading to better school performance. Unfortunately, however, many adults aren’t knowledgeable about the significance of underdeveloped […]
As we navigate the world, we all use our senses to receive input from our surroundings, let our brains process, and then tell us how to react. Generally, we respond with minimal disruption to our routine. However, processing sensory stimuli can be a challenge for some people, either because there is too much or not […]
Over the last year, sports programs have had shortened seasons, if any at all. Because of that, training time for athletes of all ages has dropped significantly. Now, with sports returning to a more normal duration, young athletes are working hard to regain lost skills and recondition their bodies. The problem, however, is that lengthy […]
Parents everywhere want their children to achieve success. This is usually defined by fulfilling societal norms, whether in terms of grades, athletic abilities, or something else. And the push to accomplish these things first is putting pressure on children and parents as well. Comparisons are fueling the expectation for children to develop at a specific […]
Hey parents of Millbury, Worcester, and Grafton, Massachusetts (and all surrounding areas!). I’m certain you know exercise is great for every kid. But, kids who think and learn differently can have a hard time finding a sport that suits them. Find out why martial arts and Kung Fu might be a good fit for your […]
One of the biggest struggles in parenting is understanding why perfectly sweet and smart children can, in an instant, turn into the most difficult beings ever faced. It’s often as if a switch was flipped and chaos has ensued. This typically results in parents becoming frustrated at their child and disciplining them in the heat […]
There’s no doubt that children’s social skills have become rusty over the past year and not progressed as they should have. With more limited interactions than usual, children have experienced adverse effects on their social development. And while many children have had the opportunity to engage in some school setting and/or activity, there were still […]
Over the past year, children have faced many disturbances in their daily lives and interactions. These things have contributed to a lot of emotional imbalance and brought on or exacerbated feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety. Since children are still developing abilities to regulate their strong and ever-changing emotions, they need assistance in strengthening these […]
For the past year, children have mostly been stuck inside, in front of a computer for school, and on a device during free time. And as much as parents have tried to keep their children active, it’s been a struggle with the limitations of many activities. But now, as communities begin opening back up in […]
Summer break is typically viewed as a time for relaxation, fun, and no schedules. However, considering the dramatic change in our lives over the past year and seeing communities begin opening back up in a full capacity now, this summer would be the perfect time to get children back on track. As unfortunate as it […]
Productivity is one of the most highly regarded traits in the work world today. And to be productive, multitasking is the go-to method. The ability to switch between multiple tasks rapidly is seen as a special skill, but it stifles productivity and increases the likelihood of making mistakes. But with the growing flood of information […]
There are a lot of activities that are available to children these days that will help them build confidence. In fact, confidence is one of the more common requests that we have from parents who bring their children to Life Skill Martial Arts. Parents want us to help bring the kids out of their shells […]
Attention span has long been a topic regarding the relationship between children and learning. As the years have passed, technology has been at the forefront of our everyday lives. This has caused the concern for inattentiveness to become even more of an issue. Children are constantly presented with new and exciting things that catch their […]
When it comes to parenting, emotions can run high. When children act out negatively, parents often become frustrated quickly and react by trying to fix the behavior immediately by yelling, punishing, etc. However, this approach is never a win for the child or the parent. Team LIFE SKILL continually studies and researches new and innovative […]
Although Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is such a prevalent diagnosis, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. People often assume that ADHD results from poor parenting, laziness, or some learning disorder. And with these assumptions come a wide range of approaches to “fix” the problem. However, with the lack of proper understanding of this disorder, […]
Teaching children the Life Skill KINDNESS will help them experience more positive feelings, which is key to overriding negative expressions. Here is a guideline on ways we can guide children to help them build their capacity for KINDNESS: ~Teach them how to put their best foot forward with others. ~Teach them how to do good […]
Children between the ages of 3 and 4 are at a very unique growth period in their lives. They are growing at a rapid rate in all areas of development and are discovering new things daily, while also learning how to cope with new challenges. Additionally, they are in pursuit of autonomy, which can lead […]
Productivity is one of the most highly regarded traits in the work world today. And to be productive, multitasking is the go-to method. The ability to switch between multiple tasks rapidly is seen as a special skill, but it stifles productivity and increases the likelihood of making mistakes. But with the growing flood of information […]
Children between the ages of five and six years old are no longer “little kids.” They are in a very important transition in their lives. They have developed skills that make them appear to have things more together, so they are often approached by adults as an “older kid.” However, they still do not have […]
Attention span has long been a topic regarding the relationship between children and learning. As the years have passed, technology has been at the forefront of our everyday lives. This has caused the concern for inattentiveness to become even more of an issue. Children are constantly presented with new and exciting things that catch their […]
All parents want their children to exhibit positive behaviors that will help them transition smoothly through the different stages of their development. And while parents have the best intentions, they often don’t use the most effective discipline strategies to achieve that goal. And granted, parents do their best to implement the knowledge and experiences that […]
Is it nature, is it nurture? That is the question. This age-old debate, in the world of psychology, has been a source of controversy for decades. At some point, all parents have toyed with thoughts of which one has most influenced their child concerning personality traits, abilities, etc. And while different psychology fields have distinct […]
“I believe that children are our future, show them all the beauty they possess inside.” Whitney Houston All too often, the magnificence of individuality is overshadowed by a need to meet the status quo. When a child exhibits behavior that is “problematic” or “difficult,” adults often assume the child is defiant. However, often, the child […]
Over the years, healthy connection levels between parents and children have decreased, leading to more challenging behaviors from children. Today’s modern lifestyle has interfered with the opportunity for the parent-child bond to grow. This vital aspect of a child’s life is essential for their emotional cup to be full, giving them healthy self-worth and self-esteem. […]
On any given day, we may experience moments of high emotion in reaction to an event, or we find ourselves trying to control everyone and everything around us. Either way, our mental well-being is in danger, especially if we find ourselves stuck in either scenario for long. It can be difficult for children to get […]
Becoming a parent is, for the most part, an exciting adventure to undertake. Along with this, however, comes an enormous amount of responsibility. And while most feel prepared, others may experience anxiety and uncertainty about how to begin this journey. But no matter what, parents ultimately want to raise their children to the best of […]
As we know, children can lose control of their emotions for various reasons, and the behaviors we witness are generally unplanned. And since anxiety can look like defiance, adults often respond in counterproductive ways. When children are stressed, the amygdala, in the downstairs brain, is triggered, and the “fight or flight” response takes over. This […]
In the past year, many parents have found themselves filling the roles of teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and hall monitor as the kids try to continue their studies in the home learning environment. The first few days were likely an exciting new adventure, but as we continue to try to balance working from home, maintaining […]
In recent years, parenting has undergone a shift and has become hyper-focused on the child. And while care, attention, and love are necessary for forming healthy attachments and helping children reach developmental milestones, an over-protective or coddling type approach can also hinder them. Rest assured, this parenting tactic comes from a place of love but […]
Focus Takes Time. In the old days, it was expected that kids would know to be seen and not heard. Developmental science has come a long way since then, and these days we understand that the concepts of discipline and focus actually take time to learn, and that the perceived lack of focus in younger kids […]
Usually, we think of motivation in one of two ways: A. Do it right & you’ll get…[Reward] B. Do it wrong & you’ll get …[Punishment] This is a very simplistic model of motivation, but to be fair, most adults don’t study the psychology of motivation when prepping to become parents. Let’s talk about two basic […]
Goal setting is a characteristic that significantly links an individual to their future success. Having the right mindset is crucial and encourages our behaviors as we encounter different challenges. Since our mindset incorporates our own beliefs about skills and abilities that we possess, we must have a growth mindset and teach children the power of […]
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