GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

What Our Kids Learn Through Taekwondo Classes

What Our Kids Learn Through Taekwondo Classes

My grandson starting taking Taekwondo classes in Kindergarten. During his first year of classes, he became passionate about:

  • the kicks
  • punches
  • physical fitness games that required cognitive thinking while completing a pattern of activities

Becoming Culturally Sensitive

As my grandson worked through his program, he became more culturally sensitive when learning the Korean words for the various moves. A significant experience is the spirituality and respect the children learn for others that is reinforced in all individual and group activities. This respect is reinforced when my grandson:

  • Learns how to bow and make eye contact with his instructor and with his classmates when starting an activity
  • Is taught courtesy and self-defense when completing his kicks and punches
  • Becomes respectful of others and the environment
  • Is taught how to center himself in in relation to others and the environment

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Learning About My Grandson When Cleaning

Learning About My Grandson When Cleaning

A couple times a month, I help my grandson sort out school papers and clean his room. Although it looks like we are helping mom accomplish a difficult task, I love helping my grandson because I am able to learn more about his interests and what he is learning in school.

A Shared Experience

Our room cleaning project has provided the following insights:

  • We occasionally sort through his toys to identify what he wants to keep and what he no longer needs and would like to donate to other children.
  • As we sort the toys, we discuss happy memories playing and what we would like to do in future on various play dates.
  • We discuss various interests and how his toys can help him explore new interests. For example, Lego can be used for various science explorations.
  • My grandson is able to reflect on what he values and I can share my experiences.
  • We brainstorm new activities and outings we can share together to explore new and expanding interests.
  • Sometimes, we sort through his book collection and talk about our many memories of reading various books together. We may start reading the book together again and relive various interests and outings that are relevant to the story. My grandson may also decide that some of the books should be donated to other children.
  • When sorting artwork, we discuss how he felt when making the art piece and what it represents. My grandson may describe a wonderful adventure that he was thinking about when creating his masterpiece. Other times, he will share a silly story about how his art piece was developed and what it represents. We have wonderful laughs and discussions as he selects which artwork he wants to hang up in his room.

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“Out-Growing Their Age” – How to Initiate Self-Reflection for Your Child

“Out-Growing Their Age” – How to Initiate Self-Reflection for Your Child

It is my firm belief that self-reflection can be nurtured in children while they are young. It’s different for each child since children mature at different rates, but in general, kids are independent enough around age five to start reflecting for personal growth and accepting responsibilities for their actions. Here is a strategy I have used with my children as they approached each birthday. In our home, we call it “Out-growing our age.” Even as my children are pre-teens now, we continue this practice to encourage self-reflection. [Read more…]

Establishing and Maintaining a Relationship with Your Youth

Establishing and Maintaining a Relationship with

Your Youth

The preteen years are truly tricky for establishing connections with your youth! Not only is your child going through lots of physical growth, they are also starting to experience the emotional fluctuations associated with puberty. However, if you invest some time and have patience, you can continue to build a meaningful relationship with your child.

Make Time for Talking

First, you must devote some 1-on-1 time with your child. It could be as simple as taking that one child with you to run a quick errand, or even using a car ride to make a connection. Some bond over baking goodies, working on small home projects, or gardening in the backyard. Still, others families opt to do parent-child “mini-dates.” Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a hike, or have your child pick their favorite dessert hang-out or sushi place! The environment should be relaxed and chill so that you can carry a good conversation. The most important thing is that your child feels you value them and you love them. [Read more…]

Helping Your Youth Respond to Difficult Situations

Helping Your Youth Respond to Difficult Situations

Now that my kids are ages 10 and 12, they are becoming more aware of politics in the news (like gun violence and gun control) and are even eye-witnesses to social issues (like homelessness). Youth today may even hear of news from other classmates while in the school quad or they may get their news from videos on the internet. With such immediate access to news (fake or not), youth and pre-adolescents may notice they are getting affected by it. As parents, how can we help our children process this new input and respond to it in healthy ways? Here are some tips you may consider: [Read more…]