All parents want their children to exhibit positive behaviors that will help them transition smoothly through the different stages of their development. And while parents have the best intentions, they often don’t use the most effective discipline strategies to achieve that goal. Granted, parents do their best to implement the knowledge and experiences that they […]
Ah, the dreaded tantrums and meltdowns – every parent’s rite of passage! When your child is in the throes of an emotional storm, it can feel like you’re navigating choppy waters without a compass. But fear not, dear parents, for patience is the beacon that guides us through these turbulent times. Lesson: Transitioning from Reactivity […]
If you’ve ever watched a SKILLZ class and thought: “Why are they playing games instead of practicing more martial arts?” — You’re not alone. And you’re not wrong to ask. But here’s what most people don’t realize: At SKILLZ, our end-of-class games aren’t a break from learning — They are learning. Games are one of […]
At SKILLZ, we sometimes hear from parents after a tough class: “My child said they want to quit.” First, take a deep breath—this is more common than you think. But what we do next as parents and instructors can have a lasting impact on how children approach challenges for the rest of their lives. Quitting […]
As children grow and develop, it is important that they engage in activities that stimulate various regions of the brain, including the release of neurotransmitters such as oxytocin and endorphins. While physical activity, such as sports, has long been recognized as a way to achieve this stimulation, children today are spending more time than ever […]
What It Looks Like in a SKILLZ Class When kids struggle with behavior, it’s easy to assume they need firmer consequences or stronger discipline. But brain science—and what we see every day inside SKILLZ classes—tells us something different: Behavior improves when regulation comes first. At SKILLZ, we don’t start by trying to stop behavior. We […]
The tween and teen years often feel to parents and teachers like they are back at the “terrible twos” stage. The challenges of working with children at this age can be frustrating. They are very smart but their emotions are all over the place. This can make it difficult for adults to be patient and […]
The golden years for children are between the ages of 7 and 9 years old. At this age, children can grasp new information quickly. They start seeing the world in a new and exciting way and, because of this, they are beginning to develop their morals and values. And while they are making leaps and […]
Children between the ages of five and six years old are no longer “little kids.” They are in a very important transition in their lives. They have developed skills that make them appear to have things more together, so they are often approached by adults as an “older kid.” However, they still do not have […]
Children between the ages of 3 and 4 are at a very unique growth period in their lives. They are growing at a rapid rate in all areas of development and are discovering new things daily, while also learning how to cope with new challenges. Additionally, they are in pursuit of autonomy, which can lead […]
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Recent Posts
- Reinforcement vs. Punishment – Understanding Behavior Modification
- Dealing with Tantrums and Meltdowns with the Power of Patience
- Why SKILLZ Classes End with a Game (and Why it’s Backed by Brain Science)
- “Don’t Quit on a Bad Day”: The SKILLZ Approach to Building Grit and Growth in Kids
- The Downside of Trading Sports for Screens