Tae Kwon Do is unique as an extracurricular activity. I actually think of Tae Kwon Do as more than just an activity, but more of a “Whole Child Development Program”! And that’s a big part of why I’m sharing this information with all of our parents so that as many of our kids can achieve Black Belt and take those life lessons with them into their future!

Tae Kwon Do is one of the few programs that combines fun and fitness with success skills building that will help children at school, at home, and out in the community. Children who commit to Tae Kwon Do often find that they’re motivated to keep making progress toward higher and higher belts as they enjoy the movements and activities they do in every class session!

Still, it’s natural for kids to have ups and downs over the course of their training to Black Belt, especially if they find themselves stuck, have difficulty at a particular belt, or hear about their friends doing other activities. My Team and I believe this presents a unique growth opportunity.

Children Often Want to Quit When Things Get Hard

It is a normal child developmental behavior to want to quit an activity when it gets harder, more demanding, or something new comes along. We see that in school – kids who feel like they want to go back to the previous grade! And even at home – children who find new chores or activities in the household overwhelming.

If your child is thinking about hanging up their belt, this is the perfect chance to teach your child the value of “sticking with it,” and how to commit to an activity that provides them with long term benefits. And the good news is that we’re here to help you and your child!

Understand that disinterest comes in stages:

Level 1: beginning disinterest to go to class – usually from a busy schedule, tiredness from school, or not progressing as quick as they’d like.

Level 2: mid level disinterest where the child is more adamant and says things like Tae Kwon Do is boring, too hard, they’re no good at it.

Level 3: high level disinterest where the child seems resolved, could even make up excuses about not going, hide their uniform and belt, and say things like “If you loved me, you won’t make me go”. At this stage kids can get very creative about the reasons for quitting and even guilt their parents into compliance.

Most Kids show signs of quitting due to:

1. Disinterest because they’re not progressing.
2. At times they may feel like it’s too difficult.
3. They may feel that it’s boring, especially if they don’t understand about the importance or repetition.
4. It’s not fun anymore but usually that’s how kids verbalize one of the above reasons.
5. They may jump to another activity because it’s easier or they’re friends do it.
6. A life event that changes up the family balance – death, divorce, job change in their family or even starting a new school for the child.

It’s so important to understand that the long term benefits of continued training pretty much always outweigh the child’s current reasons for not going!

Here’s what to do:

Don’t Skip Sessions – If you find that your child wants to “take just one day off,” it’s usually best not to let them. If they’re super tired or have a ton of homework, that’s one thing. But if they say they don’t want to go because of something a little deeper, like “It’s too hard” or “I’m no good at it” it might give them the idea that when something is hard, you can leave. And kids learn about perseverance when they get through challenging situations, not easy ones! Plus, keeping a regular schedule is one of the best things to do for kids – consistency leads to continuity! Keeping them on track teaches discipline and helps show them that they can overcome tougher days.

Don’t Assume the Emotion is Permanent – Sometimes, all it takes is one hard day for a child to say they want to quit. Some parents might be tempted to give in too quickly. I’ve heard the phrases “Well, I don’t want to be one of those Parents who forces my child to do something they don’t want to do” or “I don’t want to fight them to go to Class”. Parents, I don’t want those things either. But forcing, or I’ll use the word “directing” a child to do what is good for them is part of parenting.

For years, I’ve directed my own Kids to brush their teeth, do their homework, and help out with chores around the house. These are things that are necessary for child development and I believe that Tae Kwon Do could be seen as similar to help a young child to grow up happy and successful! If parents take their child out, assuming that Tae Kwon Do has “run its course” for them – oftentimes they or their child regret the decision that may have been made in haste! The emotions a child has one moment may not be what they feel the next. I always caution making a long term decision based on a short term frustration!

Teach Patience – Children frequently find so much joy and happiness from moving up in belts and learning new skills. But sometimes they learn at a young age to expect immediate gratification. By keeping them in Tae Kwon Do until they’ve reached the next belt, and ultimately to Black Belt, we show them that their patience pays off.

As parents, our role is to help make decisions for our children that will benefit them later in life. There could possibly be a time when Tae Kwon Do is no longer right for them. But we also do not want to end up in a situation where we are misunderstanding our child’s frustrations or setbacks, and giving in too quickly – especially when this can also be a chance to teach them valuable life lessons AND keep them in an activity that in their hearts they truly love and will thank you for later on down the road!

Master P’s Four Corner Retention Strategy

If you feel like your child is starting to show signs of disinterest, or they’re expressing they want to try something else, or they want to quit, consider the following:

1. Communication is the Key! Communicate with an Instructor sooner rather than later. Early intervention can help prevent disinterest from growing! There is a lot we can do to help once we know about it!

2. Instructor Chat with the Student – here we can see where the issue is and walk and talk through it and set up an action plan to get back on track. We can also practice through it and strategize the next mini goal to help stay on the path to Black Belt!

3. Get involved in the Special Events that go on at the School. These are a great way to have fun, socialize and build friendships, and see that the Tae Kwon Do environment is a really fun place!

4. Follow the Time Tested Tae Kwon Do Success Formula – no matter what keep coming to class!

Consistent Attendance leads to Progress and Fun which in turn leads to Reward and Motivation which then leads to a Student wanting to come to class and begins the cycle all over again!

Consistent Attendance ➡️

Fun and Progress ➡️

Reward, Recognition, and Motivation ➡️

Then the cycle repeats but consistent attendance, even when facing some frustrations, is the key.

It’s been my experience, those who keep coming to Tae Kwon Do rarely ever actually want to quit. It also remains one of the most popular after school activities out there, and one of the best whole child development programs! If your child has expressed that they’re interested in quitting, chances are it’s something we can work through!

Let us help, and let’s see any challenge in their motivation as a moment to help teach your child some incredibly valuable life lessons!

Sincerely,

Master P