Every parent has been through the following experience: your two-year-old has stopped walking, crossed his/her arms, and firmly said "No" to such a simple thing as putting on shoes. On the one hand, this situation is rather annoying; however, on the other hand, it's also very informative. The aforementioned behavior of your kid is an indicator of the formation of the will, which, if not taught properly, might transform into defiance, but which, if properly trained, could become the basis for discipline.
Willpower Isn't the Enemy; It's the Raw Material
A toddler’s stubborn attitude is usually viewed by parents as a negative characteristic that needs to be overcome. However, it is this exact attitude of defiance and unwillingness to just follow the rules without comprehending them that constitutes discipline.
Good martial arts classes for toddlers do not suppress this kind of attitude; on the contrary, they provide children with an opportunity to channel their inner power towards something constructive—completing a set of actions, accomplishing a drill, or gaining a feeling of success. In contrast to merely forcing toddlers to behave properly, the best instructors inspire them to want to accomplish what lies in front of them.
The Physical Classroom: Why Movement Teaches Faster Than Words
The young child learns differently from other children. He can be taught little through verbal communication, but he can be taught through movement. A balance exercise, a series of kicks, or a partner exercise tells more to the toddler than any explanation in words can possibly tell him. This approach to learning is fundamental to the effectiveness of kids' martial arts training.
The child isn't taught to concentrate; he is put in a situation where he needs to concentrate in order to finish what he has started. This is how concentration is developed almost accidentally through the enjoyment of the class itself
Small Wins, Big Shifts
Early childhood personal development is typically not marked by any kind of spectacle. It occurs during insignificant moments that may be easy to overlook, such as when a child takes his or her turn without being asked, obeys a multi-step direction perfectly, and recovers without a fuss after making a mistake during an exercise.
The real personal improvements take place at these micro moments, which trained instructors do not overlook since they are usually the most obvious signs that the lessons learned during training extend beyond the physical.
Why "Fun" and "Discipline" Aren't Opposites
There is an idea that structured classes for toddlers have to be either fun or disciplined. In fact, fun and discipline go hand in hand. When the child is having fun in class, he or she will have time to become well-structured and disciplined enough.
Most efficient toddler programs are those where classes remain active and fun but at the same time maintain some expectations regarding listening, waiting, and doing what you are told. It is as important as the material itself.
The Long Game Parents Don't Always See Coming
Parents who sign up their toddler to train typically do not have high hopes for an immediate change. They simply want something fun and active that their children will enjoy for an hour per week. However, many parents are surprised to see how some of the early-acquired traits, such as listening and persistence, come in handy in preschool or even kindergarten.
Give That Stubborn Determination Somewhere to Go
The stubborn toddler who is not willing to wear his shoes is not an issue to be solved. He/she is simply a kid whose determination has no outlet.
Register for a complimentary trial class at Fort ATA Martial Arts and see how training through movement will help channel your toddler's natural determination into focus and discipline.
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