Because of my experience with my kids and with countless others in my Karate schools I feel that a very important essential is teaching our kids that they must earn their way.
Nothing is free. There are no hand outs. Our kids shouldn't be given the reward just for showing up or putting their time in. It should never be just about the time that you've put in but about what you are willing to learn and contribute to get better.
I feel that it's vitally important for parents and teachers to help children realize that getting started and keeping one's nose to the grindstone are noble endeavors and high on the list of becoming the person that one is capable of becoming.
The opportunity to learn and improve oneself surrounds us all. All we need to do is reach out and ask for the help. It takes a little courage and a willingness to do the thing once you find out what the thing is you must do to improve.
Recently while working with some kids at the Karate school I mentioned that I would be more then happy to help them with their progress. I also told them that they would need to practice whatever I told them to do. I told them that I would ask them if they had practiced the next time that we met. I also told them that they should not bother to show up if they did not practice. To their credit, they all decided to practice.
This may sound a bit harsh to some. My take on it is that if a person asks me for help and is unwilling to do what I ask him/her to do, they should not expect me to spend any more of my time with them. It's not enough to ask for help. You have to put the information to good use and show that you are willing to get after it. Those that do will always achieve more.
