What happens in the car after class, practice, or a game might seem like a small moment—but to a child, it’s everything. This is the moment when: – Their nervous system is still processing their performance. – Their inner voice is being shaped by external feedback. – Their love for the activity is either deepened—or […]
Nowadays it seems that children are only interested in their video games, smart phones, and social media platforms. Parents are frustrated with their children’s lack of motivation for and attention to other activities that they are at a loss as to what to do. Therefore, parents often respond by taking devices away and punishing their […]
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 […]
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 […]
Categories
Recent Posts
- Why Kids Quit in the Car: The Hidden Damage of Post-Practice Pressure
- The Motivator Molecule – Boosting Dopamine in Constructive Ways
- “Don’t Quit on a Bad Day”: The SKILLZ Approach to Building Grit and Growth in Kids
- Reinforcement vs. Punishment – Understanding Behavior Modification
- Dealing with Tantrums and Meltdowns with the Power of Patience