Our words have a powerful influence on our children’s development, especially in their early years when they are forming their sense of self and learning how to navigate the world. Positive language isn’t about avoiding boundaries or discipline—it’s about guiding behavior in a way that builds confidence, fosters connection and encourages self-awareness. Here are some […]
For years, martial arts has gotten a bad reputation because people feel that it encourages violence, especially in children. And yes, it sounds like a paradox that something that teaches “fighting” can make people less aggressive. However, what most people don’t know is that martial arts is rooted in nonviolent conflict resolution. As the founder […]
Goal setting is one of the most highly linked characteristics to the success that individuals have. Top athletes and successful people all use goal setting. And while it is a trait that is most often associated with adolescents and adults, younger children can also benefit greatly from beginning this life skill at an early age. […]
Your child needs to know that no matter what happens, you are always going to be a consistent parent. Maintaining consistency means that you are going to be patient, connected, adaptable, and edutaining with your child all the time so your child knows what to expect from you and you know what to expect from […]
Parents, if you want to make learning fun for your kids, game-based drills are the way to go! Not only are they engaging and entertaining, but they also provide a great opportunity for kids to develop skills that will benefit them in the long run. These game-based drills are designed to help kids develop cognitive, […]
All children have their own unique way of interacting with the world around them. And while much of this is contributed by their temperaments, the degree of emotional nurturing plays a significant role. This essential piece is how attachment is formed. The emotional bond between a child and their parent lays the foundation for how […]
Children of all ages have fears, from babies to teens. And whether these fears are from real or imaginary places, they are nonetheless scary. Since our brains are wired to protect us, fears are a normal part of a child’s development. Children will eventually outgrow fears but being knowledgeable about what fears are more common […]
Programs for children are all around us. From daycare centers to recreational sports and everything in between, options for parents to choose from are abounding. Although parents want what is best for their children, they often aren’t aware of the notable distinctions between the programs they are considering. To get the most out of any […]
As parents, we’re always looking for ways to support our children’s growth and development. For many families, occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children overcome challenges and develop essential life skills. But what if there was a way to complement this therapy with an engaging and fun activity that your child would […]
The learning process is vital to the healthy development of a child’s brain and their experiences and interactions largely influence how this happens. This process doesn’t just take place in the classroom but in all areas of the child’s life. Because of this, learning is better approached when it is an active process that triggers […]
Most are aware of the benefits of physical activity for people of all ages… a stronger cardiovascular system, improved muscle tone, weight management, motor coordination, etc. Additionally, there are brain-boosting benefits that help children with brain function and learning, leading to better school performance. Unfortunately, however, many adults aren’t knowledgeable about the significance of underdeveloped […]
Mentoring has been around for many years and has shown to have many positive outcomes for all participants. In SKILLZ Martial Arts, the mentoring program that is implemented is called the STORM Team, or Special Team of Role Models. This is a “near-peer” type mentoring program that is very structured and incorporates a full curriculum […]
Attention span has long been a topic focused on the relationship between children and learning. As the years have passed, technology has been at the forefront of our everyday lives. This has caused the concern for inattentiveness to become even more of an issue. Children are constantly presented with new and exciting things that catch […]
Children’s challenging behaviors have long been the focus of adults’ pessimistic viewpoint of characteristics that don’t fit the mold of societal expectations. This rigid “deficit thinking” causes parents to complain about their child’s qualities and make them try to “fix” what is wrong or make excuses as to why they can’t do certain things. However, […]
As hectic as life is most days, parents are often more concerned with getting everything done instead of strategically planning out their day so that it is predictable for their children. Knowing what activities to expect each day and knowing how parents will respond at the moment is critical in helping children feel safe. Consistency […]
As we navigate the world, we all use our senses to receive input from our surroundings, let our brains process, and then tell us how to react. Generally, we respond with minimal disruption to our routine. However, processing sensory stimuli can be a challenge for some people, either because there is too much or not […]
In today’s fast-paced world, the relationships children build are crucial for their emotional well-being and overall development. This is where SKILLZ steps in to make a meaningful difference! While many martial arts programs primarily focus on physical self-defense, SKILLZ takes a unique approach. We view martial arts as a powerful vehicle that can help children […]
As a caring child development expert, I’m here to share insights on two crucial aspects of brain integration: Horizontal Connectivity and Vertical Connectivity. These concepts are essential for helping children develop emotional and cognitive balance, which is key to their overall well-being. Horizontal Connectivity (Integration) Horizontal connectivity refers to the integration of the left and […]
As parents, we want our children to thrive in all aspects of life, including their extracurricular activities. However, sometimes we notice that our kids are not performing well or are acting out, and we might struggle to understand why. Dr. Daniel Siegel’s HALT method can be a helpful tool in these situations. HALT stands for […]
Oxytocin is best known as the “love chemical” and is released when we feel love. And while it is generally associated with the parent-child bond and more in-depth relationships, it is also significant in overall human connections. With all the stress and pressures of the world today, many children go through life feeling that they […]
Ever since the Covid pandemic rocked our world, we have been searching for ways to maintain our mental and emotional well-being. For teens, this has been an even more difficult feat. Adolescence is already fraught with stress and moodiness but adding in the social isolation and fear have led to an even greater rise in […]
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 […]
Sometimes getting children motivated for martial arts class can be a challenge for parents. But with the right approach, you can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child. In this blog, we’ll explore some mindful strategies to help you navigate those moments when your little ninja needs an extra […]
On any given day, we may experience moments of high emotion in reaction to an event, or we find ourselves trying to control everyone and everything around us. Either way, our mental well-being is in danger, especially if we find ourselves stuck in either scenario for long. It can be difficult for children to get […]
Every day children are faced with increased amounts of pressure to work harder, learn more quickly, and manage their emotions. This is especially true for 10 to 14-year olds due to their intellectual growth during this period. However, this pressure is unhealthy for them and can lead to anxiety and depression. The premise of the […]
When we hear the word “learn” we often think of children sitting in a classroom, at a desk, with a teacher educating students on a particular subject. We rarely ever imagine playing a game as a teaching and learning tool. However, the benefits of utilizing this can span more developmental areas than learning about a […]
When people generally think of “play” they think of fun and games…something simply for amusement and nothing more. However, there is a bigger, and more important, piece that is often overlooked…learning. As Kay Redfield Jamison said, “Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” The same […]
Play is often overlooked as a learning tool for children. Dictionary.com defines play as “engaging in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.” It is seen as a type of “free time” when nothing else important is happening. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For 3 to 4-year-old […]
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 […]
Over the years, healthy connection levels between parents and children have decreased, leading to more challenging behaviors from children. Today’s modern lifestyle has interfered with the opportunity for the parent-child bond to grow. This vital aspect of a child’s life is essential for their emotional cup to be full, giving them healthy self-worth and self-esteem. […]
Most often, when we think of implementing structure into our children’s lives, it is because we have a newborn that needs a feeding schedule, a toddler that needs a nap schedule, or a child that needs an activity schedule. When children become teens, they are often left to implement their own schedules. And yes, they […]
How can you set your child up for daily success? One of the most effective ways to do this is to focus on prompting instead of punishment. Here’s what you need to prompt your child toward good behavior and decisions: Friendly Competition One of the ways to prompt your child toward good behavior is […]
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 rough 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 […]
Parenting comes with its unique set of challenges, and one common struggle that many parents encounter is dealing with a child who complains frequently. Whether it’s about food, chores, or activities, complaints can quickly become a source of frustration for both parents and children. However, by mastering the skill of parental attunement, you can better […]
In the world of martial arts education, fostering a growth mindset in children is as important as teaching them self-defense skills. A growth mindset encourages students to believe in their ability to learn and grow, making it a valuable life skill. At SKILLZ schools, the Power of Yet is a central concept that is used […]
Parenting Struggle: “My child won’t listen to even the simplest of commands.” Lesson Learned: The depth of connection between parent and child profoundly influences cooperation and communication. Connection is not just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of successful parenting. When children feel deeply connected to their parents, they are more inclined to cooperate willingly and […]
Children and teens are involved in a wide range of physical activities and sports. And whether they are at a competitive or recreational level, the basic physical requirements are the same. In order to achieve optimum training levels, it’s important that the exercises prepare the athlete for the best physical outcome. The safest way to […]
Productivity is one of the most highly regarded traits in the work world today. And to be productive, multitasking is the go-to method. The ability to switch between multiple tasks rapidly is seen as a special skill, but it stifles productivity and increases the likelihood of making mistakes. But with the growing flood of information […]
If you have a spirited 5 or 6-year-old, you know they’re bursting with energy, creativity, and curiosity. They’re at an age where they’re eager to learn and explore, making them perfect candidates for Martial Arts. However, it’s crucial to understand that their development is unique, and they need a program tailored specifically to their stage […]
Are you the proud parent of a three or four-year-old bundle of energy and curiosity? If so, you know just how much they love to move, explore, and play! But did you know that there’s a specialized program designed to harness their boundless enthusiasm and set them on the path to success? Welcome to the […]
All parents want the same thing…for their child to be a positive member of society and experience success. And while these are important things, they often come through a push to achieve and be the best in everything. Unfortunately, this is frequently done through comparing their children to others. This, however, often leads to stress […]
In today’s fast-paced world, the demands on parents and children alike can be overwhelming. As parents, we want the best for our children and aim to provide them with enriching experiences. However, in the pursuit of excellence, some parents may inadvertently project their own anxieties onto their children, affecting their participation in activities like SKILLZ […]
Parenting comes with its unique challenges, and dealing with a clingy child can be one of them. While it’s entirely normal for children to seek comfort and closeness with their caregivers, excessive clinginess can sometimes become a source of concern. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind clinginess and offer strategies to support and […]
As we navigate the world, we all use our senses to receive input from our surroundings, let our brains process, and then tell us how to react. Generally, we respond with minimal disruption to our routine. However, processing sensory stimuli can be a challenge for some people, either because there is too much or not […]
Nutrition plays a significant role in a child’s overall well-being, and it can have a profound effect on their behavior, especially in young children. Here’s why good nutrition matters: 1. Blood Sugar Levels: Sugary snacks and drinks can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to a burst of energy followed by a crash. […]
As the holiday season approaches, many parents find themselves in a familiar predicament. The bustling holiday schedule, family gatherings, and the overall chaos that can accompany this time of year often lead parents to consider pulling their kids out of extracurricular activities, including martial arts classes. It’s understandable; the holidays are a very busy and […]
Finding the best extracurricular activity for your little ones can be a challenge. However, when it comes to fostering essential life skills, physical development, and character building, the Early SKILLZ martial arts program stands out as an exceptional choice for 3 and 4-year-olds. In this blog, we’ll explore why the Early SKILLZ program is the […]
Hey there, savvy parents! Are you tired of scratching your head, trying to figure out how to enhance your child’s cognitive abilities? Well, fret no more because we’ve got the ultimate solution that’s as fun as it is effective! Enter SKILLZ—the secret weapon to unlocking your child’s full potential, making them smarter and sharper in […]
Martial arts training provides numerous benefits for individuals of all ages, but when it comes to children, tailoring the program to their specific needs and capabilities can greatly enhance their experience. That’s where age-specific programs like SKILLZ come into play. SKILLZ is a specialized martial arts curriculum designed to optimize learning and development for children […]
As parents, we all want the best for our children’s growth and development. One way to support their holistic development is through martial arts training. At our martial arts school, we use a program known as SKILLZ, and we go beyond physical techniques to incorporate a deep understanding of neuroscience to enhance your child’s learning […]
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 […]
As we know, children can lose control of their emotions for various reasons, and the behaviors that we witness are generally unplanned. And since anxiety can look like defiance, adults often respond in counterproductive ways. When children are stressed, the amygdala, in the downstairs brain, is triggered, and the “fight or flight” response takes […]
In the words of Whitney Houston, “I believe that children are our future…show them all the beauty they possess inside.” All too often, the magnificence of individuality is overshadowed by a need to meet the status quo. When a child exhibits behavior that is “problematic” or “difficult,” adults often assume the child is defiant. However, […]
As they say, kids will be kids. And yes, children and teens can be unkind to their peers and feelings get hurt. The problem is when these behaviors become common and target the same person repeatedly. This is when kids being kids begins to cross the line to bullying. And while bullying is a very […]
Goal setting is one of the most highly linked characteristics to the success that individuals have. Top athletes and successful people all use goal setting. And while it is a trait that is most often associated with adolescents and adults, younger children can also benefit greatly from beginning this life skill at an early age. […]
As hectic as life is most days, parents are often more concerned with getting everything done instead of strategically planning out their day so that it is predictable for their children. Knowing what activities to expect each day and knowing how parents will respond is critical in helping children feel safe. The consistency in this […]
Becoming a parent is, for the most part, an exciting adventure! Along with this, however, comes an enormous amount of responsibility. And while most feel prepared, others may experience anxiety and uncertainty about how to begin this journey. But no matter what, parents ultimately want to raise their children to the best of their ability […]
The development of a child can be one of the most fascinating things to watch unfold. From infants mirroring movements to toddlers and children mastering high level developmental skills, the growth children experience in a short time is astounding. And while all skills are important for them to master, bilateral coordination is an important prerequisite […]
Be the parent your child needs you to be. They need you to be in their world. That means interacting and playing with them on their level to prompt them through the tasks and chores they don’t want to do. Here are some tips and examples on using effectively using edutainment with your child. 1. […]
One of the biggest struggles in parenting is understanding why perfectly sweet and smart children can, in an instant, turn into the most difficult beings ever seen. It’s often as if a switch was flipped and chaos has ensued. This typically results in parents becoming frustrated at their child and disciplining them in the heat […]
Today’s world is busy! People are rushing here and there to get to work, school, the store, and the next activity. Even our “leisure” time is filled with busyness. And during all of it, we are distracted by our devices. This not only leads to us missing important moments in our lives, but it also […]
Most often, when we think of implementing structure into our children’s lives, it is because we have a newborn that needs a feeding schedule, a toddler that needs a nap schedule, or a child that needs an activity schedule. When children become teens, they are often left to implement their own schedules. And yes, they […]
Children’s challenging behaviors have long been the focus of adults’ pessimistic viewpoint of characteristics that don’t fit the mold of societal expectations. This rigid “deficit thinking” causes parents to complain about their child’s qualities and make them try to “fix” what is wrong or make excuses as to why they struggle to do certain things. […]
Your child needs to know that no matter what happens, you are always going to be a consistent parent. Maintaining consistency means that you are going to be patient, connected, adaptable, and edutaining with your child all the time so your child knows what to expect from you and you know what to expect from […]
Parenting can be tricky. We want our children to be resilient, empathetic, and able to self-regulate. However, with the busyness of life, the experiences that build these characteristics fall by the wayside, and “no” becomes an automatic response. Children are continually being told what to do and what not to do. As a result, the […]
Over the years, healthy connection levels between parents and children have decreased, leading to more challenging behaviors from children. Today’s modern lifestyle has interfered with the opportunity for the parent-child bond to grow. This vital aspect of a child’s life is essential for their emotional cup to be full, giving them healthy self-worth and self-esteem. […]
Every child is born with their own unique way of interacting with the world. Some are flexible in the midst of change while others may experience stress when presented with new situations or a change in schedule. This is what is referred to as temperament. And while some temperaments are easier to handle then others, […]
Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Have you ever considered that children have these as well? Of course they do! The problem is, they don’t know how to express it to us. They know something doesn’t feel right, so they act out or exhibit a grumpy mood. The good news is, there […]
One of the most important things that you can do as a parent is to establish a connection with your child. In fact, children need connection more than anything else. Here are a few ways that you can begin to build a great connection with your child: Daily Interactions: Make one-on-one connections with your child. […]
How can you set your child up for success daily? One of the most effective ways to do this is to focus on prompting instead of punishment. Here’s what you need to know about prompting your child toward good behavior and decisions: Friendly Competition One of the ways to prompt your child toward good behavior […]
Adaptability is about how you respond to your child, especially on those days when things do not go as planned. Your child will have a variety of days, including good, bad and everything in between. Here are a few ways you can apply adaptability to your parenting and keep your child motivated: Intrinsic Motivation: Choices […]
On any given day, we may experience moments of high emotion in reaction to an event, or we find ourselves trying to control everyone and everything around us. Either way, our mental well-being is in danger, especially if we find ourselves stuck in either scenario for long. It can be difficult for children to get […]
Children of all ages have fears, from babies to teens. And whether these fears are from real or imaginary places, they are nonetheless scary. Since our brains are wired to protect us, fears are a normal part of a child’s development. Children will eventually outgrow their fears but being knowledgeable about what fears are more […]
Today’s world is busy; people are rushing here and there to get to work, to school, the store, or the next activity. Even our “leisure” time is filled with busyness. And during all of it, we are distracted by our devices. This not only leads to us missing important moments in our lives, but it also […]
Goal setting is a characteristic that significantly links an individual to their future success. Having the right mindset is crucial and encourages our behaviors as we encounter different challenges. Since our mindset incorporates our own beliefs about the skills and abilities that we possess, we must have a growth mindset and teach children the power […]
Although Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is such a prevalent diagnosis, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. People often assume that ADHD results from poor parenting, laziness, or some learning disorder. And with these assumptions come a wide range of approaches to “fix” the problem. However, with the lack of proper understanding of this disorder, […]
Good behavior is a learning process for children, and we are their road map. Children usually behave according to their own emotions and impulses. Meanwhile, being a parent is also a learning process and sometimes we rely on our own emotions and impulses to teach. Usually that means we divert directly to punishments when a […]
In a world that highly values the traits of extroverted individuals, shy children are often assumed to have something wrong that needs to be fixed. However, shyness is simply a personality trait that is part of their temperament. Children are born with unique personalities, although the environment can play a significant role in how these […]
The tween and teen years often cause parents and teachers to feel 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 […]
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 rapidly growing in […]
Children between the ages of five and six years old are no longer “little kids.” They are in a very important time of 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 […]
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 […]
Over the years, healthy connection levels between parents and children have decreased, leading to more challenging behaviors from children. Today’s modern lifestyle has interfered with the opportunity for the parent-child bond to grow. This vital aspect of a child’s life is essential for their emotional cup to be full, giving them healthy self-worth and self-esteem. […]
Have you ever wondered why children and teens seem to be so addicted to their smart phones 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 […]
There’s no denying that advancements in technology have made our lives easier. We can work from home, shop online, and watch newly released movies, among many other things, all without leaving the couch. And while this saves us travel time and hassle, it can lead to unexpected health consequences. The reason is that we are […]
Parents are an essential element to their child’s success in anything. The enthusiasm and support, or lack thereof, of a parent can make or break a child’s accomplishments. In SKILLZ martial arts, it is even more essential that parents be involved as part of the teaching team since the SKILLZ system applies child development and […]
Every child is born with their own unique way of interacting with the world. Some are flexible in the middle of change while others may experience stress when presented with new situations or a change in schedule. This is what is referred to as temperament. And while some temperaments are easier to handle then others, […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “You just don’t understand!” Oh, but we do dear teen! The emotional and social roller coaster ride this stage of development brings about is not easily forgotten by any adult who remembers their journey […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “It’s happening!” Once upon a time, we parents all found ourselves smack dab in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of our young lives… The Teenage Years. From physical changes to mental […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “I am strong. I am brave. I can do this!” The Golden Years, as we discussed last week, is a season within adolescence where slow and steady growth of the body and mind are […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Slow and steady wins the race!” Oh the years of 7-9 years old! You have made it through the infant, toddler, preschool and young adolescent phase. Time for what are often referred to as […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Check this out!” Stepping onto the mats at the start of Basic SKILLZ class one recent evening, I was met with an excited group of 5-6 year olds, ready to demonstrate their latest and […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Going, going, going… ALL. DAY. LONG!” Oh the years of 5-6! Abounding energy at a level that could power New York City, as my husband and I often joke about our youngest, is flowing […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Wait! I have to tell my mommy something!” If you enjoy watching our youngest Ninjas in action during Early SKILLZ class, then you know all too well how much these littles absolutely love to […]
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss “Mommy, look my muscles?!” I remember it like it was yesterday when my youngest son who was three years old at the time came running into the kitchen to show me his BIG arm […]
“We are always in a perpetual state of being created and creating ourselves.” Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, The Developing Mind “What did you say? What am I supposed to do first again?!” Our recent family vacation had come to a bittersweet end and the piles of folded, clean clothes on the dining room table were […]
“We are always in a perpetual state of being created and creating ourselves.” Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, The Developing Mind “Think, think, think!” Do you remember the classic Winnie the Pooh cartoon? Do you remember watching Pooh Bear wander to his thinking spot to try and recall his most important thoughts? He would sit and […]