Why At Home is the Place to Be

     We've all heard the saying... a family that ______s together stays together. You can fill this blank with any pastime imaginable, but the bottom line remains the same. When we set aside extra time to spend with our family it strengthens our bonds and keeps us close. A tight knit family unit can weather any storm. And we ensure this by investing extra during times that are a little less crazy.

      However, to get these awesome benefits we have to do so much more than family dinner or to sit next to each other on the couch watching TV as we scroll through our separate electronic devices. We have to actually take the time to hang out and get to truly know each other. Now I know this is easier said than done Warrior parents. It seems like any unplanned  lazy day in quickly becomes World War III as boredom and incessant complaints begins to rear its ugly head. And so we give in to the requests for technology time or we pile everyone in for a spontaneous theater trip hoping it will earn us some gratitude and a little bit of quiet. This relief is fleeting, however. So here's some great reasons for making staying in with the kiddos a family goal... 

1) It's cheaper: 

     Today's youth struggle with money. They spend far more than they should because they are constantly trying to buy "fun." As parent's we know that money can't always buy happiness and comes with more than its fair amount of stress when used poorly. So how do we keep our kiddos from falling trap to the constant spending pressure of society? We model all the enjoyable things that can be had without a plan or a hefty bill. And one of the best ways we can do this is by modeling and practicing this in our own homes. So skip the expensive theater this week and teach your child to find joy in the little things. Be it your own personal theater under the stars or a spontaneous cookie decorating competition, we promise it will be a more memorable and worthwhile investment than any activity money can buy.

2) It teaches contentment: 

     Social media, with its constant bombardment of picture perfect brunches and vacations, is very good at making us feel dissatisfied, behind the curve, or left out. This fear of missing out mentality is what has us scrolling through Facebook or Instagram for hours on end, even though it truly serves no point and makes us feel worse afterwards. Our children pick up on that. If you're spending every day counting down to your next big vacation, or bemoaning every mundane task of daily life than how can we expect our child to grow up feeling anything different? We need to show our children how peaceful days in can be and how even though we don't have it all we can be content, grateful, and feel blessed. This isn't to say you or your child will never be bored, or that your child won't get a bad attitude or fight with a sibling. But the truth is learning contentment in the little things of life will save your child so much heartache as they grow, because the majority of us are not and will never be millionaires.

3) It fosters creativity: 

     Life is busy. Even our kid's schedules are insane and we are all stretched too thin. Odds are this isn't going to suddenly change. We all get home and just want to shut down and veg out. Don't feel guilty. I look forward to some mind numbing Netflix just as much as everyone else. But if our kids are going from school, to after school activities, to homework, video games, tv, and then bed... where is the actual play? Where is the boredom that forces you to think outside the box and get resourceful when it comes to entertaining yourself? There is a lot to be learned about ourselves during those quiet moments without any previous expectations or requirements. So let children be bored. Let them sit around the house without electronics. Give their minds the chance to create, explore, and grow. Kids need this chance to play and the future definitely needs them to be able to think outside the box. So mix things up and seek out stolen moments of quiet unplanned time in your home.

4) It keeps YOU young: 

     Ever seen the movie 'The Help?' We get it Warrior parents: 'you is broke, you is busy, and you is tired.' Okay being the adult 24/7 isn't that bad, but you need to let some of that stress go too! And what better way than to get one on one with your little one? When was the last time you were creative? When was the last time you were outside just to be outside? When have you last done a physical activity or sport with your kid? Stress, unhappiness, and anxiety are very real problems we all have to combat. So unleash your inner kid and just play again. Let everything else fall away and enjoy the one on one time. Anything can become a game if you choose to leave your work and problems at the door. So have a fort building contest, get out the Nerf guns and play tag with them, learn a new skill together and make it a competition... the opportunities are endless if you let go of the usual adult filters and pressures we all have and try something new.

     So unlock the potential in your home. You don't have to always be on the go or spend a fortune to make the kind of childhood memories they won't ever forget. It's the quiet little moments together that make all the difference.

Change is hard, but raising a warrior is always worth it!

#RaiseAWarrior

Looking for more ways to focus on adding quality family time to your busy schedule?

Join us on the mat each month for Family Participation Days. 

(Upcoming family participation days are March 4th & 5th) 

#FamilyTimeIsTheBestTime

Our Kids Just Want to Be Heard

     "It's not fair!" "You never listen to me!" These are awful words to hear in the parenting world. These huge emotional outbursts hit our home unexpectedly and we are left wondering where we are going wrong. Our little ones are our world. So how could we not listen to them? How can they feel we aren't there for them when that is literally what we are trying to do 24/7? As adults it can be truly baffling that our child would rather shut down or act out in defiance when something is clearly bothering them. I mean we are right there to offer advice and solve their problems. But the truth is, maybe we aren't communicating with them in the best way. Maybe our knee jerk parenting reaction is making these big emotions even more difficult to handle and we are stealing valuable moments of learning and bonding that would only strengthen both us and our child. 

      Let's get real parents. We listen to our child's incessant chatter from the moment they wake to the moment they finally slip into blissfully quiet sleep. And we've gotten quite good at continuing about our daily tasks with an interment "mhm" and "that sounds awesome" when required. This is necessary to get through the day. If we stopped and gave them our undivided attention every time they want to repeat a story or tell us what little Billy said at lunch today we would never get anything done. But in the midst of a melt down these responses don't suffice. And no matter how frustrated or busy we are, we all know deep down that yelling never helps and is truly regrettable the moment it is done. So how can we meet our child's needs and handle their big emotions at the same time? The secret lives in a method called active listening. And we've got the low down all mapped out for you Warrior parents!

The main point of active listening is simple. You just listen! 

You don't solve their problems, offer solutions, make commentary, or give advice. 

You literally just listen first and empathize. 

Here's why it works...

• It helps kids better understand their feelings: giving your child time to express their big feelings out loud (without your influence) gives the child time to reflect on why this matters to them. This works at any age, trust us. It's part of why counselors are such a popular thing in today's society 
• It strengthens bonds: kids who feel understood, valued, and cared for by the important adults in their life feel closer to and are more likely to open up and come to you when they are in need
• It establishes self discipline: giving your child the opportunity to work things out as they speak (with only occasional guided problem solving) helps develop a child's internal dialogue of self correction. These work hand in hand with their ever growing moral compass to determine what kind of person they will grow to be.
• It builds self esteem: when you wait to jump in and solve their problems it shows your child you trust them to start finding their own solutions and to request help if they need it.
• Kids are more likely to listen to you: when you respect what kids have to say they feel it and are more likely to respect you in return. Not convinced? Try it on some adults in your life. It works with us too
• It creates an attitude of open communication: when we immediately jump in and offer advice we compromise this and effectively shut off open communication and the chance for expression. Creating this environment in your home early is definitely a worthy investment when you consider the inevitable teenage years

     There is of course a place and a time for our wisdom and advice giving, but rarely is it the best first response. So give it a try Warrior parents! Listen first and stall sharing your thoughts and opinions until you get the full story from their viewpoint. This humbler approach to parenting admits that we and our child are partners in this process. This habit takes time to build, but the benefits above are too worthwhile to not at least try. Your child needs to know that no matter the issue you will listen and and that together you can work through anything. This trust comes from years of feeling heard and like their intelligence and emotions are valued. So invest in an happier home today and an easier teenage transition tomorrow by making it a priority to always listen first. 

If you're interested in  looking further into this parenting method check out the article below:

Active Listening: How to Master the Skill That Will Make You a More Effective Parent

Happy parenting starts with a good plan Warrior parents!

#RaiseAWarrior

Instructor Spotlight: Miss Brooke

Miss Brooke is AWESOME! 

She's been with us nearly 5 years and we are so grateful for her. Besides keeping our Academy stocked with all of the delicious snackums, her sweet (but sassy) personality keeps everyone on their toes. She is the down to earth, genuinely kind friend that makes our team that much stronger!

The kiddos love Miss Brooke because: 

She never lets them down at snack time

She is so honest with her opinions and advice

She really is a country girl

She picks the best holiday classic movies for them to watch

A little bit more about Miss Brooke:

Miss Brooke is an awesome Warrior because she exhibits the Warrior trait of kindness. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels included and is never too busy to make plans and check in with everyone. She doesn't let negative attitudes get her down and that kind of stubborn optimism is an amazing attribute we hope your Little Warrior's learn from her.

A few of Miss Brooke's favorite things:

Miss Brooke is a good ole Texas gal. She loves fishing and listening to country music. Given her favorite past time we were a little surprised that her favorite movie was Finding Nemo, but that just goes to show why our students love her young heart. Maybe fish truly are her friends! Her favorite food is tacos and she dreams of someday going to Hawaii.Overall, this country horse loving girl is one of a kind 

and rainy days wouldn't be the same up at the Way without her bright pink rain boots!

Our team just wouldn't be the same without her. 

We can't thank her enough for being such a pivotal part of our team!

#RaiseAWarrior

Changing the World Starts At Home

     If you had to summarize the mission of us as warrior parents what does it boil down to? We all want to raise good kids. It’s as simple as that, but 'good' is such a relative term during childhood. Being a 'good' baby involves sleeping through the night and burping easily after every feeding. These behaviors don't necessarily translate to being a 'good' child or teen. Burping no longer is enough to constitute good behavior the older we get because expectations change. The expectations of us as parent's and society's in general fluctuate as our child matures throughout childhood. The transition moves beyond taking care of self, to considering others and contributing to the effort as a whole. As a child grows they're expected to become a good citizen.

     Now when we consider citizenship proudly repping the red, white, and blue during July, having a flag out front, or exercising your power to vote may come to mind. While those are extremely awesome and patriotic that does not cover the wealth of character it takes to truly be a good citizen. Citizenship goes far beyond laws, obedience, and patriotism. Being a good citizen is made up of a million tiny, thoughtful actions. Good citizens stand out for making where ever they go a better place. They stand up against bullies, they're welcoming neighbors, they thank our service men and women, they honor their heritage of freedom, they cooperate with others, and they serve with a smile. They genuinely want to make the world around them a better place. Imagine if that was the focus of more and more people today. Warrior parents you have the power to make the future that much better by raising strong warriors!

     Bottom line we know that teaching your Little Warrior a concept as complex and selfless as good citizenship is no small task. Especially when you're caught up in the day to day of parenting with a never ending to do list. We know it's hard to predict what the next 20 minutes of parenting will be like, let alone what kind of adult your little one will grow to be in the next 20 years. No worries Warrior parents! We take changing the world and helping raise your warrior very seriously. So we've been working on these principles during our Warrior virtue chats and we have a simple action plan to get you going at home.

     To be a good citizen you have to be responsible, respectful, and resourceful. While the article below goes into greater detail on these 3 powerful R's of citizenship we know all of these traits come from within the home. So how can we incorporate this in our day to day?

     Every child, no matter the age, should be taught to be a good 'citizen of the household'. After all this is their home, and their family. They should take pride in that and want to continually improve it. The easiest way to involve your child in being a contributing member of the family is to have them take on chores. It truly is win win. Sometime's having the extra little hand frees up time you would have spent doing it all yourself. Plus an atmosphere of helping hands and service is a great early step towards creating responsible citizens. Remember those 3 R's of citizenship... here is how these characteristics tie into chores and help us shape good future citizens of our amazing country

Responsible:

 When we as parent's always swoop in and fix everything wrong in a child's world or do everything for them we are robbing them of the important drive of responsibility. When a child doesn't pick up their toys, they consequently get broken. We can either re-buy their suddenly declared favorite toy or allow life to teach our growing warrior a very important lesson. You are responsible for not only yourself, but also your belongings. That puts value in the good things we have. As your warrior starts to value the hard work required to maintain and keep good things in our life they are on the path to becoming a more responsible citizen.

Respectful:

As a child matures and sees everything it takes to care for their home or have a cooked meal it helps them appreciate all they have. Once they begin to recognize all you do and all they have, a deeper appreciation and respect for what they've been given begins to grow. They won't grow up feeling as entitled or like the world must treat them a certain way. And as they appreciate you more and more, as they become less spoiled, their respect for you and also others will grow. This leads to that kind of open-hearted, neighborly respect and collaboration that marks great citizenship.

Resourceful: 
Everyone is different when it comes to chores, allowances and such. Growing up we had to do some work without pay. That's just how it was. Not everything you do earns you something monetary and that is a fact of life. You have to put work into every single relationship you have. That isn't always pleasant, but that unpaid labor does have worth. That truly is a great lesson many younger generations are missing. So when it comes to chores, if some household work is done without pay, you would be amazed at how resourceful children become when it comes to earning some extra pocket cash. Let them do some work for free Warrior parents! It builds character and a drive that so many now a days are missing.

Who knew that raising strong warriors and great citizens also meant 

your house is a little cleaner?! Talk about a win! 

Don't forget parenting warriors: We believe in you.

Now go set some goals and crush it!!!

Raising Good Citizens

#RaiseAWarrior