New year, new goals. I think all of us have set goals in the past and maybe have reached them or are still working on them :) Sometimes as a parent, we get so involved in helping our children reach the goals we set for them, whether it's behavior or academically, that we lose focus on their goals. Over the many years of teaching, I've noticed that one of the hardest things to teach is consistency. Many parents come to our program looking for an activity that will help their c

As we are ending the year, some of you may have noticed our children are losing steam :) It's hard to self-motivate, even if the activity is fun! Here are some tips on how to help you get your kids moving when they lack motivation. Tip #1: Take notice of what your child is doing at the moment. If your child is engaged in an activity like playing or watching a video, most likely you will be in for a fight. Instead about 10-15 minutes before you need to leave, have your child p

Summertime is coming to an end, and with that comes all of the back to school anxiety and jitters that are common amongst children. Your child may experience common physical effects of anxiety associated with back to school time including symptoms from stomachaches to sleeping problems. They will also experience emotional stress from the fear of making new friends, meeting new teachers, fears of being bullied, the pressure of making good grades, and worries of being unpopular

Have you ever wondered why children and teens seem to be so addicted to their smartphones and other devices? Parents are frustrated with their children’s lack of attention and motivation but what do their devices have to do with this? The answer is found in science! Often referred to as the “motivator molecule,” dopamine is a “feel good” chemical that is released in the brain which helps us focus and feel motivated. When dopamine levels are low, it can result in symptoms such

We’ve all heard this term but have you ever stopped to really think about it? The other day I did :) maybe it was all those memes out there, but it got me thinking. Which comes first? Do you need to change your mindset first and then you will see changes in your body? Or should you start working out and then the endorphins and drop in cortisol levels start changing the way you think? Then it got me thinking about my martial arts practice and that of our students, adults a

These three simple words are powerful. As a martial artist and school owner, these three words have made a difference not only in my life but in many of our students, young and old. In my journey to black belt, overcoming personal fears and doubts have made many things possible for me as a business owner and parent. I have seen this also happen for many of our students. The first time a student breaks a board or wins at a competition or being able to memorize their poomsae is