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Why Afterschool Programs Are Important

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Afterschool programs are a great way to provide productive learning time for children after the school day is over. Children can participate in programs at the school, such as drama or football, or they can take part in activities outside of the school, such as Scouts and martial arts. These programs are especially beneficial to kids with learning and attention issues. Read on to learn about why it’s so important for kids to participate in programs after the school day is over!

Kids programs…

Build Better Social Skills

Kids participating in programs after school tend to feel more secure and confident. These kids are more likely to join in on a game or strike up a conversation with other children. Among other programs, karate is a great way to foster support, respect, and cooperation.

Build Friendship and Foster Belonging

If the program isn’t run by the school district, children have the opportunity to get to know different kids other than the ones they see at school. Not only does it mean they won’t have to worry about cliques, but they can also make new friends!

Provide a Safe, Supervised Environment

Unfortunately, kids with learning and attention problems are more likely to engage in risky behavior. However, keeping the kids busy with a positive outlet can prevent them from engaging in bad behavior, plus it can help them do better in school and over time, may even lead to fewer behavioral problems.

Build Confidence

Because the stakes are likely not as high, kids with learning and attention issues tend to find afterschool programs more forgiving and, therefore, more enjoyable. These kids are more willing to try new things and take on more significant challenges in afterschool programs, leading to better self-esteem.

Build Better Focus

In some programs, kids can also improve their focus. With martial arts, kids are doing one thing at a time. Younger kids and kids with ADD may only do one thing for a few seconds, but for those few seconds, that’s all they’re focusing on.

Programs such as martial arts can also help your child focus in on goals and have the determination to succeed. The more and more goals your child reaches, the more ambitious he or she will become.

Afterschool programs can also help children learn how to pay better attention. Children can be taught to look into the eyes of the person that is speaking to them to show that they are listening.

Improve Grades

Did you know that children who take part in afterschool programs have improved reading and math grades? Good afterschool programs can also improve their classroom behavior, attendance, academic goals, and reduce the likelihood of dropping out.

Improve Mental and Physical Health

In today’s world, it’s so easy for kids not to exercise. Life can be busy and stressful with school, homework, and other everyday stressors, and while it’s probably tempting for your child to sit down on the couch and turn the TV on, it’s actually better for them to get up and moving. Having a healthy outlet to release stress is essential, and afterschool programs can provide that. These programs can be a fun, positive way to destress by providing your child with a distraction and even exercise.

Afterschool sports and even other programs such as martial arts are fantastic forms of exercise since your child will be active the entire time. This will help them maintain a healthy weight, promote positive body image, and build the foundation for healthy exercise habits in the future.

Afterschool programs can also promote positive emotional and mental wellbeing. One sad truth is that many children are bullied in school. However, afterschool programs can help children overcome their fears and anxieties by building more self-confidence and self-respect. In martial arts, for example, your child will gain the confidence they need to stand their ground against bullies and take pride in themselves and who they are.

Check out this article on the health benefits of martial arts!

Are Just Plain Fun!

Afterschool programs are a fun way for your child to learn, grow, and increase their overall happiness. Physical programs, such as martial arts, can help improve your child’s energy, alertness, and confidence, all while in a safe, supervised environment. Your child can work at his or her own pace, making new friends and completing achievements in the process. The best way to encourage your child to participate in an afterschool activity is to show them how much fun they’ll have. Kids want to do things they enjoy, so help them find the right afterschool activity that’s right for them!

How to Motivate Your Child to be Active

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Just like adults, children need to be physically active if they are to stay healthy. However, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, just 50% of boys and 34% of girls from 12-15 years old are adequately fit. Because 80% of overweight children become obese adults, it’s imperative to start them on their fitness journey as early as you can. Too many kids are spending too much time on the couch, in front of screens. Luckily, there are some ways you can motivate your child to become more active.

Be a role model for your child

Kids look to their parents for guidance and will mimic your habits, whether they are good or not. If your children see you living an active lifestyle, they are more likely to make an effort to be active as well, and not only through their childhood, but their adult lives as well.

Exercise as a family

One of the most successful ways to change your child’s exercise habits is by getting the whole family involved. Think about playing together, going to the park, throwing a ball, or taking a class together. Martial arts is a great activity for the whole family. Not only will everyone get into better shape, but they will also learn healthier habits, become less stressed, take on new challenges, and make new friends!

Make it fun

Kids just want to have fun, and they are more likely to continue exercising if they are doing something they enjoy. Kids karate provides an outlet for all their energy while also being a fun workout that builds confidence and self-esteem. Outside of class, you can throw a dance party in the living room, spend a day walking around the zoo, or have a picnic and play games in the park.

Get social

Exercise is so much more fun with family and friends! Karate class is a great way to meet new people and build long-lasting friendships. You can also invite your child’s friends to join in on activities, whether it be in or out of the home.

Celebrate milestones

Did your child just win their first soccer game? Did they just reach the yellow belt in Karate? Celebrate! Taking some time to congratulate and reward them for their accomplishments will encourage them to continue pushing their limits and taking on new challenges.

Include kids in household chores and activities

If you’re looking to sneak some physical activity into your child’s day, have them take part in tasks such as washing the car, vacuuming the house, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or walking the dog.

Limit screen time

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids don’t get more than one to two hours of screen time per day (whether it be the TV, tablet, phone, or computer). However, many children are spending more than four hours a day in front of screens. Motivate your child to get active with other pastimes such as walking the dog, having a dance party, going to the park, rollerblading, riding a bike, or other fun activities.

Start small

It’s pretty much impossible to stay motivated when we try to take on too much too soon. Working out five days a week might be hard with music lessons, homework, and other activities, but you can start motivating your child to exercise 1-2 days per week and move forward from there.

Make a schedule

Both children and adults respond well to a structured schedule. Plan out your weeks and make sure everyone can commit to their fitness activities on those days and times. If something comes up and you can’t make the scheduled activity, substitute it with something else. If your car is in the shop and you can’t make it to Karate class, try going for a walk around the neighborhood before dinner. If you planned on a family bike ride and it’s stormy that day, turn on the Wii and play some bowling or tennis.

Benefits of being active

There are many benefits for your child being active. Some benefits include:

  • Healthy weight
  • Better sleep
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Decreased risk for Type 2 Diabetes
  • Strong muscles and bones
  • Better confidence

Physically active children also tend to be more focused, motivated, and more successful in school. Remember to guide and encourage your children to increase their activity level – don’t force them. Choose an activity that your kids will find fun and positive.

Benefits of Martial Arts for Children with ADHD

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Exercise is essential for every kid (and adult), but kids who have problems with learning and paying attention may have a more difficult time finding a sport or activity that’s right for them. These kids may not have the physical or social skills to be part of some teams, they may not have enough coordination for activities like ballet, they may find it hard to follow the rules, or they may be bullied or feel left out.

Many parents find that martial arts are an excellent option for kids with ADHD. While martial arts won’t “treat” learning and attention problems, what they can do is build self-esteem, better coordination, improved problem-solving skills, and improved mental and physical health. Continue reading to learn about how martial arts can benefit children with learning and attention problems.

You might be wondering how something like martial arts can help manage something as serious as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a disorder that affects someone’s ability to control impulsive behavior and pay attention. Children with ADHD typically find themselves constantly looking for things to do and tend to feel restless. While many people think that this disorder is something that only affects children, that’s actually not true at all. The symptoms of ADHD will often begin during childhood but can carry over into adulthood as well.

Learning martial arts can be a fun activity that anyone can take part in. People with ADHD can excel at martial arts due to the hyper-focus that’s often associated with the disorder. There are many martial arts styles that children with ADHD can choose from, each with different philosophies and techniques, but they all have some things in common. All styles of martial arts use deliberate and repetitive motions that emphasize the connection between body and mind.

What can Martial Arts Offer to Kids with ADHD?

  1. Martial arts offer attainable goals. Some kids with ADHD may feel like they never “win” at things. In martial arts, children are able to work at their own pace and are awarded a different colored belt each time they reach a new skill level. This system not only keeps them motivated, but it can also boost their self-esteem.
  2. Martial arts focus on individual growth rather than team competition. Kids with ADHD may struggle with the pressure of competing with other kids, and so traditional sports may not be as appealing to them. Martial arts, on the other hand, focus on self-improvement, so kids don’t need to worry about “letting their team down.”
  3. Martial arts can help improve coordination. Repetitive and deliberate movements allow children to develop a better feel for their body in space. This can be useful for children who struggle with motor skills and can also help kids understand the power of mind over body.
  4. Martial arts provide structure. Good martial arts instructors will have clear rules and will make sure to reinforce them. These instructors also emphasize good behavior both in and out of the classroom.
  5. Martial Arts emphasizes concentration and self-control. Attention is crucial in martial arts, and kids must stay focused if they want to learn and perform well. When a child’s focus strays, their instructor may ask them to take the “ready stance.”
  6. Martial arts can provide children with a safe outlet for excess energy. Despite what some people may believe, martial arts don’t encourage bad behavior. Instructors actually emphasize fighting as a last resort. However, learning karate chopping and kicking can allow children to work out frustrations and anger while also practicing self-control.
  7. Martial arts have an accepting environment. Respect is another important principle in martial arts, and students are expected to show respect to their instructor and their peers. Negativity is typically not tolerated in class, and students are always encouraged to support one another.
  8. Martial arts routines are broken down into manageable steps. A technique in martial arts can have several different movements, but children learn gradually by repeating and adding steps as they go. Kids will learn to anticipate what comes next and eventually put everything together in solid movements.
  9. Martial arts are fun! Kids with ADHD can sometimes feel awkward or left out in social situations, but many kids like martial arts and think they’re super fun. It’s hard not to feel good when you’re wearing cool martial arts gear and chopping boards in half!

Martial arts are great for providing your child with the opportunity to build their self-esteem, find a positive and friendly community, and experience success and achievements. There are so many martial arts benefits for children, whether they have ADHD or not, and everyone can learn and grow and have fun!

Kids and Flexibility

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You watch your child’s grades in school, make sure that they eat right and worry if they are developing socially.  But are you also watching their fitness requirements/goals?  Along with being active in sports and/or just play, both competitive or just recreational, flexibility issues can affect your child.

According to the American Council on Exercise, around the age of 6, children begin sitting regularly at a desk during school.  During these hours of sitting it forces their hamstrings into a tight shortened position.  Spending long hours hunched in front of the TV or computer compounds these problems, leading further to tightness.  In addition, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital website states that muscles tend to be tight in pre-teens and early teenagers when children experience rapid growth periods.  During these changes when bones grow quickly, muscles have not adjusted to them and poor flexibility might become a bigger problem.

Stretching daily is key to improving your child’s flexibility.  Helping them loosen tight muscles during growth periods and physical activity.  According to numerous studies, warming up with light cardio followed by dynamic stretching (continuous repetitive movement) will help improve their  mobility.  After exercise, it is recommended that they static stretch concentrating on their hamstrings, calves and shoulders. Taking small steps daily to improve flexibility will improve performance in sports, posture and reduce injuries.

Your habits can hurt your child’s health?

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Did you know that your children learn everything they feel about themselves and their body from you? Did you know that the way your treat your body and the habits you do on a daily basis set the stage for your child for years to come?

Some parents feel that by rewarding or punishing their children for their habits is the best way to teach them healthy behaviors. This could not be further from the truth. The most powerful way to teach your children good habits is to perform good habits yourself, and then lead by example. Just like your children learn right from wrong through watching you, they will learn healthy habits because you perform them yourself. Setting a good example by practicing healthy habits yourself will not only help you, but help your child maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Here are a couple of tips to get you started.

#1… When you prepare your meals for the day or get ready to make a healthy dinner, invite your children to help you, and teach them the benefits of healthy eating.

#2… When you get ready to exercise for the day, invite your kids to participate with you and make it fun time.

If you practice healthy habits yourself, you will teach and influence your children to have good habits and healthy behaviors . This will lead to a happier, healthier you, your children, and your entire family.