Chores: To Do or Do Not?

     When we were growing up chores were the norm. Everyone had a job, no matter the age, and everyone chipped in to make things around the house run smoothly. However, as the demands on our time have socially increased things in the home have changed from generation to generation. Where chores were once required, now in some households they have become optional or merely appreciated. So whether you are on the fence about chores, require them, or prefer to passive aggressively suggest things be done around the house here are some excellent reasons why we think all Warriors should grow up doing chores.

Chores Teach Life Skills

     Yes our children are young, but they won't be forever. Chores are the life skills everyone has to deal with unless they're rich enough to have someone do it for them. You have to eat, you have to have clean clothes, you have to keep up with your car, and you have to have a home. These basic necessities require skilled upkeep. And if we don't take the time to teach them now the college years will be an adjustment. So take the time to teach them the mundane day to day basic life skills they'll need to live on their own and support themselves. Trust me on this one... it isn't always done. You would be amazed how often we have to take the time to show our teen instructors how to change a light bulb or a tire, or plunge a toilet because they've never had too.

Chores Build a Strong Work Ethic

     A good work ethic is required to make it in today's profession driven world. And sadly you either have it or you don't. Chores teach children from a young age that sometimes you have to do your job- whether you feel like it or not. Life isn't going to patiently wait for them to feel like doing their job and neither should you. Don't just appreciate completed chores, require them. Teach them the importance of working hard and taking pride in a task well done. Chores teach a roll up your sleeves, pitch in and get the unpleasant work knocked out for the betterment of the whole group attitude. That mentality really sets you apart in today's workplace and it might just be the difference between working fast food for the rest of their life and shooting for the stars.

Chores Teach Responsibility & Self Reliance

     We want our children to be able to care for themselves when they're older. That doesn't mean we won't always be there for them. We just don't want 27 year old Josh living rent free in our basement without a care in the world. Our job as parents is to work ourselves out of a job so to speak. If our kid's are incapable of caring for themselves and managing their own lives without interference than we have seriously failed somewhere. Chores is where we teach them those first skills in cleaning up after themselves. Chores gives us a tool where they learn to take responsibility for the tidiness of their life and things. It also gives us a method to install lessons like you have to work hard to get to play hard. Life doesn't just hand our children their dreams on a silver platter and neither should we. They're going to have to take responsibility for their future and the things they want, and they're going to have to rely on their skills and talents to make it to the top.

Chores Foster Team Work

     We spend our entire life a part of, contributing, and supporting various teams. Whether you're supporting family, friends, a work team, sport's mates, etc we all have a role to play in the give and take of the teamwork circles in our lives. Since our families are the first team we are a part of it truly is the safest place to learn these valuable skill sets. So use chores to teach your Little Warrior that everyone's role is important. Use chores to teach them how team mates help each other. Use chores to teach them that surrounding themselves with a strong team makes their life better. Teach them to help other's when they're having a hard time. Teach them to cooperate when things change and to teach other's patiently. These skills will carry them into the work field, relationships, and beyond so take the time to instill them carefully.

Chores Reinforce Respect

     Most of us don't truly appreciate our parents and all they did for us until we've moved out and it's all up to us. Assigning chores opens their eyes to this a little sooner. It helps them appreciate all you do for them before they're adults and off to college. It also instills a sense of kindness and respect for their impact on others. I may not have to clean up this mess because it isn't my assigned duty, but chores allow me to see that if I am inconsiderate it makes your job harder. Chores also teach us to respect and care for the things we own. I was told to clean my room countless times as a child. My mom could have done it for me, but I wouldn't have learned to value my belongings without having accidentally stepping on and breaking my favorite toy in my disaster of a room. Those lessons stick with you and help you care for things like a car, an apartment, a work space, a family, and a home as you grow.

     So whether you're a family that expects or appreciates chores take a moment to consider whether your Little Warrior and you might benefit from a little time on task working around the home. Seems to us it could make a world of a difference!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Miss Tabi

Miss Tabi is AWESOME! 

She started training with her dad in our adult program and her passion for working with children quickly made her a rising star among our Summer Camp Instructors! We're excited that she will be staying with us and helping us raise Warriors through out the school year.

Miss Tabi strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To put a smile on their face and never beat themselves down no matter what has happened."

The kiddos love Miss Tabi because:

1. She is super sweet and loves to make everyone's day awesome
2. She knows that hard work has to be balanced with giggles, high fives, and fun
3. She is full of energy and gets super excited about current super heroes or Disney movies

A few of Miss Tabi's favorite things:

      Miss Tabi loves birds! Her family has several and she recently got a crazy little bird named Emmie who loves to talk, be heard, and make other people's day brighter. Sounds a lot like Miss Tabi right?! In addition to a near obsessive love of birds, Miss Tabi loves to train here at Warrior's Way, play softball, tease her brother, read, and swim. With her fun loving attitude and happy heart it is not difficult to see that her favorite shows are Friends and the Office. 

A little bit more about Miss Tabi:

      Miss Tabi (or Miss Tally since 'B's are hard and it has kind of stuck in our kids classes) is currently going to school to be a nurse like her mom. Miss Tabi's favorite part of working at Warrior's Way is being around the kids. She loves their energy and the fun they bring into her daily life. After seeing her interact with our Warrior's it's no surprise that Miss Tabi dreams of being a pediatric nurse and bringing brightness to little one's days for the rest of her life. Miss Tabi's hero is actually her dad because "he's such a strong willed individual and always pushes me to do my best." We love that she brings that same attitude out onto the mat. She truly does love our Little Warrior's and want to make them better.

Miss Tabi you're a joy to have on the mat! Keep being you and brightening everyone's day. You set an amazing example for all our Warriors!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Getting Your Warrior Back to School Ready

     Summer is coming to a close. And the relief that back to school time is finally here is all too real for parents after a busy summer with our kiddos. We're excited, but we also know it can be a very frazzling time for us. Our jobs keep us to a mostly stable routine regardless of the season, but our kiddos have been spoiled by the lazy days of summertime. To kids summer often symbolizes a relaxation and break from routines. While it's great that they're having a chance to just be a kid, without a gradual transition back into our school routines back to school becomes a battle of obstinate wills. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Initiating our back to school morning and evening routines (before they're actually needed) truly does make a difference. I know that setting up and instilling these routines may seem like an obstacle as summer comes to a close, but they're actually a teaching opportunity. Routines are so much more than a tool for getting everyone out the door on time or going to bed at a decent hour each night. Not sold on the idea yet? Here's some psychology backed reasons to make routines a part of daily life in your home.

Routines are an example:

     We aren't born naturally gifted in self management. We have to be taught to prioritize tasks, problem solve, and organize our time to make the most of each day. Kids especially need patience and direction in this area as it takes several years for these skill sets to fully mature and develop. While we are working on teaching them these forms of self mastery routines can help. Routines are external rules and guidelines that set the example for how our lives should be run. They help keep order in your home while you child learns to internally regulate and have self discipline over their daily desires, wants, and needs.

Routines make your child more independent:

     Well built routines quickly become habitual which allow us to act automatically. I mean think back to the last time you brushed your teeth. Did it require any thought, energy, or decision? Or did it just happen like it does every morning and evening? Routines are great because they allow a child to start their day without a lot of decision or thought. This is especially useful since adding sleepiness and grumpiness to their already growing brains makes even the simplest of tasks an insurmountable obstacle. Routines fixes that problem. And as it becomes easy and they master these beginner routines they become more independent and grow more confident in their ability to achieve and manage their life. Even the most anti-morning of us can survive any given day with the help of a good routine to buy us some productive time while we work on the process of waking up.

Routines help us cope:

     Life is full of disappointment, surprises, and more curve balls than we care to count. Some changes like the death of a family member, a move, or a new school can be quite traumatic to anyone let alone a child. Returning to a sense of normal after life's hardships is the goal toward finding happiness again. We cannot shelter our child from all the things life might ask of them. And we shouldn't try too. Established routines help a child cope in more than one way. Routines are comfortable and gives a child a sense of inner safety and control amidst the change and chaos these life events cause. And anything that helps bolsters our child's resiliency is a practice worth the extra effort.

Routines are the foundation for success:

     As adults we are required to prioritize, work hard, and meet deadlines regularly. And we know that sometimes things have to be done whether we feel like it or not. It takes a lot of patience and self discipline to do the things we know we have to first. Routines are the first step towards learning these vital life skills. Routines teach us efficiency and organization. It also helps you develop habits of self care, dedication, and hard work. These characteristics are like a muscle. When we require them to master increasingly difficult routines they are learning to overcome their self and are practicing vital warrior traits that will steer them towards success.

     So there you have it! When you make a child go to bed or get up on time, consistently practice hygiene, or an instrument, or any other health conscious or goal oriented behavior you're doing so much more than making the transition back to school easier. You're setting them up for success by building the skill sets they need to accomplish whatever they want in life. So enforce those routines. And keep crushing it Warrior parents!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Raising Confident Children: A Warrior Parent's Guide

     Raising kids in our technology saturated culture has brought a wealth of new parenting problems for us. Today not only do our kids still have to be healthy, respectful to others, attentive in school, busy with sports or other extracurricular activities, a good friend, and a civil family member; BUT in addition to these already daunting tasks we want them to have a sense of confidence, in themselves and their abilities to handle life's curve balls. That's a lot for any kid (or parent). Add the detrimental effects that social media can have on our youth's confidence and we have a real challenge on our hands.

      So how do we bolster our child's confidence in the safety of our home before social media's pressures tries to tear them down? We know it's not an easy task because across the board confidence is the lowest scoring Warrior attribute on the Courtesy and Respect forms you turn in for belt testing. So here's a Warrior parent's guide to Raising Confident Children. No one is going to take the time to build your little one's confidence like you can. So give these easy steps a try and watch your kiddo's confidence shine.

It starts with us:

      No one likes to make mistakes, but they are a fact of life. A miserable part of it, but a fact none the less. And we all respond to mistakes differently. Some of us become timid afterwards. Some of us get sulky and emotional. Some of us get angry and try to place the blame elsewhere. Many of us go on the defensive. No matter your knee jerk response to risk and failure take a moment to think about what it says to your child. What are our reactions teaching them about trying new things, expanding their horizons, and never giving up? Yes the milk is spilled and it is super inconvenient, but what does our child learn about independence if we blow up? Are we a part of the reason why they're afraid to try new things and take on greater responsibility? Our knee jerk response is rarely the best parenting response. Raising a Warrior takes conscious thought and active awareness so if our child is struggling with something we have to first look at our role in this difficulty.

Name what is strong:

      We are quick to correct our children. It's kind of in the job description as parents. And while telling them "No you can't hit that's mean" and "Please chew with your mouth closed. People don't want to eat with a slob" are important lessons they only show the bad. When we focus on what's wrong we are giving our child words to describe themselves when they make mistakes. They begin to think of themselves using the words we use to describe their behavior. So instead of constantly focusing on what's wrong try to consistently reemphasize their strengths. Yes they may have slipped up and said something mean, but overall they're a very helpful child 90% of the time. Praise that strength! Give them positive words to describe themselves and their behavior. It goes a long way towards shaping their outlook of themselves and their capabilities for the better.

The power of the word "yet":

     Kids are going to mess up and they're going to get frustrated and want to quit. That's how it feels sometimes and that is okay. So where do we parents come in? We don't want our kids to feel that feeling down after a mistake or defeat is unnatural, but we also don't want them to grow up believing that quitting and taking the easy way out is acceptable. So how do we help them grow through these mistakes and setbacks? It's important that we empathize with how they feel while still encouraging them to keep trying. We've found the secret to accomplishing both these tasks is to emphasize the powerful and optimistically hopeful word "yet."

It's okay that they haven't mastered that spin kick yet because they're a hard worker and we know they'll be able to if they keep trying. 

It's okay to not be picked as class president yet because they're a good friend always and that will help them be more understanding in the end. 

It's okay to not be able to swim without floaties yet because they're already so big and working on being brave as they ride a bike without training wheels. 

     Focusing on the word "yet" allows us to acknowledge their feelings and put the focus on current successes or things that will help us get there.

Celebrate every step:

     This may be the cheesiest step, but it is ever so important. You are learning and growing together as a family. Every risk taken or fear faced is a part of our journey and a chance to grow. It's okay to celebrate the little things because it's those little first and often doubted steps that lead to all the biggest changes in our life. So celebrate those uncertain and sometimes unsuccessful steps. They're paving the way for some truly great things.

Keep it up Warrior parents! We think you're all rock stars!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. David

Mr. David is AWESOME! 

Mr. David may look like a giant during our children's classes, but he's a total softy on the inside. He gives amazing bear hugs and is always there to brighten everyone's day.

Mr. David strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To always have integrity and do what is right no matter what!"

The kiddos love Mr. David because:

He likes to change his voice while counting off exercises, so they never know if he's going to be a pretty princess or drill sergeant for the day.

Because he makes sure everyone has the material before moving on.

Because when he rustles their hair for encouragement it is similar to being mauled by a bear.

Because of his big smile and his love of laughter

A few of Mr. David's favorite things:

Mr. David absolutely loves spaghetti! So much that he would be able to eat just that for this rest of his life. Talk about a commitment!. Mr. David loves martial arts and has been training with us for nearly 10 years! He also loves the movie 'The Godfather', dragons, reading, writing, lifting weights, and thinking. He is always up for a good debate and truly keeps our younger instructors on their toes with his almost daily thought provoking questions.

A little bit more about Mr. David:

Mr. David is a military retiree who is father to four of the cutest little girls ever. When we asked him what his dream job is he said "Being a dad to my girls. There is nothing I enjoy more." Definitely shows that this tough guy has a heart of gold. It's no wonder he fits in on the mat teaching our Little Warriors.

Mr. David you're a rock star! 

You set a great example for your girls and our students. We are so blessed to have you on mission and on our team. Can't wait to see how far you go!

#RaiseAWarrior 

A More Positive Way to Discipline

Ever wished your kiddo came with a remote control? Volume off button? Or a user manual? Trust me we've all been there. Sometimes you just have to escape reality for a moment with these kind of impossible day dreams. Because being a parent and Raising a Warrior is hard. I get it. We give them so much of our time, our day, our life and they push and push us until we just blow. Sometimes we yell. We always regret it, but we don't really have another tool that works when things get hot and tempers flare. 

But the truth is we know that yelling isn't okay to use for disciplining our child regularly. Yelling teaches a child that it's okay to use aggression to manage their issues with others. And I don't know about you, but that is definitely not the kind of trait we are trying to permanently instill. So this week's blog offers a more positive way to discipline. You don't have to yell. There is hope and a better way to keep things from getting to that point. So here are some excellent positive disciplining tools that we try to use in the Academy every day.

Offer choices:

Ever given your child a command and got a "no" as a response? It just makes your blood boil doesn't it? Rather than delve into this messy and dissatisfying power struggle realize there is a better way. Children have very little control of their life. They don't get to choose their food, what the schedule will be like, when they go to bed, or much of anything. So when bluntly ordered about they take a stand and try to show some autonomy. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can be very trying for us as parents. So instead of matching wills with your child offer them a choice. Even something as simple as "would you like to put your jammies on first or brush your teeth" allows them to exert some control in their life. We use it with punishments all the time. "Would you like to take a nap or write sentences?" It is very effective. Just make sure you can live with both decisions regardless of what they choose. And here's to less defiance in the future.

Create a yes environment:

How many times do you say "no" to your child throughout the day? Now consider how many times you say yes... there's a big difference between the two. The more we say "no" to our child in our day to day lives the less meaning it has and the more likely they are to ignore it. So work to make your home a "yes" environment. I'm not saying let them run the roost. But it is beneficial to give them a chance to try things and express their individuality within safe limits. Rather than saying "no" to a child who wants to spend the night at a friends, create a sleep over guideline, and if they violate that agreement and don't respect the boundaries it's buh-bye sleepover fun. This same plan works when teens want to drive, youth who want to go to the mall alone, etc. The less you automatically say "no" in day to day the more likely they are to pay attention when you do say it. 

Focus on how to set it right:

We often respond negatively to our child's mistakes. It's kind of our knee jerk parenting reaction. We say "No hitting," "Don't name call," "No pushing." But all of these "no's" don't teach our child the solution that should replace their behavior. It's okay to say "we don't hit" or "no hitting" you just have to follow it up with the solution as well, like "we use our words instead." This formula of correction clearly sets the boundaries and expectations for your child. And it also gives them a formula for success in the future. It's not guaranteed that you won't have to say "no" several times to get it to sink in, but you definitely won't be saying it for the rest of eternity. 

Check how you view mistakes:

Have you ever been around those parent's who call their child "bad" or "mean." This is such a terrible thing to say to a child. Even in moments of anger, the words we use to describe our child are fundamental in how they begin to view themselves. They aren't "bad." It is their behavior that is unacceptable, not them. And you cannot stress this enough during these formative years. So make sure, even in anger, you keep these goals in mind. It will go a long way towards helping your Little Warrior be confident and to continually keep building positive relationships with your little.

Be consistent:

Consistency is key when it comes to discipline. And it helps your child understand and learn what is and isn't acceptable. Without a consistent message from us, their parents, how can they know how to behave? We learn from our mistakes and we move past them. A kid with inconsistent consequences won't be able to do this. So set them up for success and be consistent in your discipline. Even when you're busy, or tired, or frustrated. It matters more than the rest of these all combined.

We've seen these changes to discipline work wonders for us and we hope they help your home life too! Keep it up parenting warriors! You're awesome!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Connecting with your Warrior: 5 Daily Habits to Make a Priority this Summer

     Ask any fellow parent how life is going and I guarantee you'll hear some version of "we're staying busy." Between the never ending emails, work, keeping house, play dates, kid's extracurricular activities... it seems like our to do list's and days are unending. But is all this busyness beneficial for our families? It is easy for us to view any productivity as a good thing when there are tiny humans involved because we parents all know how challenging it can be to get anything done on time with a kiddo or two in tow. So when we truly look at this currently trending 'busyness' epidemic is it a good thing or is it stealing chances to connect with our child away from us?

     Here at Warrior's Way we are firm believers that family time is the best time. The good news for you busy parents is that quality one on one time with your little ones trumps quantity any day. We know that your days are jam packed, but it only takes a few spare moments in between life to truly connect with our kids. So this summer lets make family our priority Warrior parents. We know that if you take the time to build these special moments into your daily routine a few minutes here and there, you will truly see your relationship transform in unexpected ways. So here are 5 easy daily habits to help make connecting with your Little Warrior a true priority this summer.

Hug it out:

     There is a lot of good that comes from simple hugs or an affectionate touch. In fact it is such a studied topic that family therapist Virginia Satir is most famously known for saying, "We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth." This is also probably the easiest new habit to squeeze into our already busy schedules. So give it a try and snuggle your kiddo a little extra today. Whether it's a good morning squeeze, a pat on the back, a friendly hello, or a gentle hair tousle these moments are priceless when it comes to our since of connection and well-being.

Enter their creative worlds:

     Kid's are so imaginative. Their minds are truly magic at all ages. So take time to enter their creative worlds. Get to know them in each and every creative stage, explore their likes and dislikes. As parents we know how quickly these interests and play worlds change. So savor each stage. Whether they are inviting you to color, kill creepers in Minecraft, build with legos, or have a tea party make it a priority. When you make time a few weeks from now that stage could be gone forever. So make their creative world a priority. These are the moments you will miss and wish for when they are older. And a child who feels connected and understood is less likely to act out than one who doesn't feel a priority. So make one on one play time a weekly priority.

Take 5 and be present:

     Because life is so busy we have become master level multi-taskers. I mean be honest with yourself... how many times have we been guilty of half listening to a story of our child's day while answering emails, texting, or making a grocery list? So take 5 minutes. The work will still be there when you're done. So turn off your phone or turn down the music for even 5 minutes. Your child will remember for the rest of their life that they were important enough that your stopped what you were doing and gave them your undivided attention. This is also an excellent practice in the car when picking up your child from whatever activity or event they just came from. Lowering the music and just asking them how today was can be a powerful invitation to connect. The lack of eye contact in a car really takes the pressure off so kids are more likely to open up and share.

Weekly one on one date:

     This is a cute tradition that even if done bi-weekly can lead to some truly special memories. We see varieties of this in many of our Warrior families and it's too precious not to share. And the best part is this can be whatever you want it to be. Some families get ice cream every Friday, others have game nights or go bowling every week. The thing is it doesn't matter what you do for your family date. Having something you can reliably look forward too, a chance to just let loose, laugh and have fun is good for everyone. So start some awesome traditions and make family date night a priority in your home. 

End the day on a high note:

     I get it Warrior parents. Sometimes your day is just too busy and you can barely squeeze in 12 affectionate hugs. Have no fear! Bedtime is an excellent chance to make up for this and reconnect. By bedtime we're usually winding down also and any left over work from the day can be put off until tomorrow. So use bedtime to ask about their day, read a story together, or just cuddle on the couch to a favorite show. This quick moment of connection makes bedtime special and helps to end the day on a high note. It is also a chance to air out any hurts or concerns from the day before. Taking a moment to handle those before bed helps start tomorrow off on a better note. So take advantage of this chance to connect and check in before bedtime.

      We know fitting these 5 things into your busy summer schedule is a tall order some days. But we wouldn't advocate for it if we didn't truly believe in the positive power of family time. Life with its infinite distractions and separate schedules has a way of eroding connection. So find those spare moments in-between your daily routine and make the most of them. The benefits are worth too much for us not to make an effort. I mean who of us doesn't want increased connection, understanding, and cooperation in our homes? Building these routines may take some work, but it will leave you more connected, stronger as a whole, and with a heart full of happy shared moments long after your child has grown and begun to spread their wings.

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Mr. Brendon

Mr. Brendon is AWESOME! 

He grew up in our children's program and is still going strong in our adult classes! He is a great example for all of our Little Warriors and his little brother (who is also in our program) on the perseverance, hard work and dedication it takes to be a great Warrior and a Black Belt!

Mr. Brendon strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"To believe in themselves no matter the challenge. We teach them complicated sweeps and throws and I love watching the surprise on their face when it all works perfectly."

The kiddos love Mr. Brendon because:

Because his teaching is full of shenanigans like weird sound effects, combat rolls, and showing off

Because he knows and lives by the principle: learning isn't fun unless your teacher is having fun too

Because he is so silly and finds ways to cheer them on for every single improvement

Because he is always finding ways to teach them their test material plus bonus moves

A few of Mr. Brendon's favorite things:

Mr. Brendon (or Mr. B to his fellow staff) wholeheartedly believes that "a good burrito is the most superior food." This may sound extreme, but Mr. B doesn't do anything half way. He gives 110% in every thing he does and that is one of the things that makes him so amazing. In addition to loving a good burrito, the color purple, 'Baby Driver' the movie, and his sweetheart (who he met here actually. Talk about cute!) Mr. Brendon loves to create art with his drawing tablet and computer. 

A little bit more about Mr. Brendon:

Mr. Brendon just graduated high school and was accepted into the MSU Honor's Society. We are so excited that he is choosing to get his education locally and wanting to continue helping raise Warrior's while he's in school. Mr. Brendon dreams of being a surgeon and traveling the Irish countryside. When asked about his dream super power he wished for "telekinesis because the potential for shenanigans is very high." All in all he truly is a sweet, goofy, and fun loving guy. We also loves that his hero is "my father. He grew up in poverty then managed to come up from it and serve the country, be awarded the bronze star, and continue serving as a Police Officer." That powerful example of leadership and selflessness definitely shows in everything Mr. Brendon does.

Mr. Brendon you're a rock star! 

It's been amazing watching you learn and grow through all these years! 

We love having you back as such a great example and "big brother" figure to our student's. We can't wait to see how far you go!

Some tiny baby Warrior pictures of Mr. Brendon just for fun:

#RaiseAWarrior 

Summer Fun for the Whole Family

     Summer break is next week and the Academy will be closed for that 1st week in July so our staff can go on vacation. Some of you may have the week already planned and filled with epic activities, or vacations of your own. However, some of you just read that first sentence and are panicking, because that means no summer camp next week. Whichever parenting category you fall into (prepared or panicked) we've got your back. This week's blog post is full of family fun ideas that are only a car ride away. Feel free to use them next week or anytime during summer break for some truly memorable family fun.

Little Eden Farm and Exotics:

     Located in Harrold, Texas and making it a little less than an hour drive from the Falls town this is a staycation experience unlike any other. Treat your kiddos (and let's be honest, yourself also) to some sweet animal cuddles. This is your not so average petting zoo experience that includes kangaroos, lemurs and more. They open their farm by reservation only. So give them a call at 940-733-5250 or contact them on Facebook. Whether you go next week or sometime during the summer this will be a fun adventure to share with your Little Warrior.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center:

     Located in Glen Rose, TX this fun little safari experience is worth the 3 hour drive. View over 1,000 endangered animals from the comfort of your own car or take one of the guided safari tours in their open-air buses. For a few extra bucks, you can even buy animal food at the front gate to hand out during your tour. We promise that if you're lucky enough to coax a giraffe over the experience of feeding them is unlike any other. Check them out at https://fossilrim.org/

Dinosaur Valley State Park:

     For the kiddos who love animals that are of the extinct variety Dinosaur Valley is a must go. Also located in Glen Rose, TX this is the perfect follow up to your Fossil Rim adventure. Here your adventures include geocaching, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and of course searching for dinosaur tracks. The dinosaur tracks in the river bed are amazing! But you can't always see them because they're in the river bed so be sure to check their site for more details on the water level and to bring swim shoes and suits. They also have an awesome FREE Junior Park Ranger Program that if completed earns your little adventurer a special edition Honorary Ranger Pin. For more information and to see if the dinosaur tracks are visible check them out at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley 
        

Graham Drive In Theater:

     For those of you looking for a fun summer adventure a little closer to home don't forget about the Graham Drive In. Open most weekends, they play a variety of family friendly new movies. Plus their snack bar is delicious! Check them out at http://grahamdrivein.com/ to see what's playing next and plan a family night under the stars. Bonus is most weekend performances are double features and they are waaaaaaaaaayyyyyy cheaper than going to the actual theater.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History:

     Maybe you've heard of them and maybe you haven't, but this kid centered play experience is different enough to be worth mentioning. With a dinosaur dig, rotating interactive exibhits, the innovative building studios, and the children's museum you can easily spend a whole day playing here. With activities for children toddler age to early teen they are definitely worth checking out. Plus there are so many things to do in the area for an ultimate midweek getaway experience. More details available at https://www.fwmuseum.org/explore/


   

Water activities:

     We all know nothing beats the Texas heat like a little water fun. The options nearby are endless with Castaway Cove, Hurricane Harbor, the multitude of splash pads in the DFW area, Great Wolf Lodge, and of course more homey things like a good ole' water balloon battle in the backyard. So plan on getting a little wet next week and let the good times roll!

Experimental play:

     Looking for something a little closer to home? Check out Downtown's Crashwork Studios! This creative play space has an assortment of odds and ends that provide hours of entertainment for all ages. And with a price of under $10 you truly can't beat it. Check them out at https://crashworkswf.com/about-us/ 

     This doesn't even cover a quarter of the Texas adventures you can fill your family's summer with, but we thought these were a few of the lesser known, and unique ones worth sharing with your Little Warrior. You could totally go to Six Flags, Legoland, the Zoo, or the Aquarium and fight the crowds again. Or you could go bigger and have an adventure unlike any other. In summer the options are endless. So have fun! And be safe during our Summer Break next week!

#RaiseAWarrior 

Instructor Spotlight: Miss Tamera

Miss Tamera is AWESOME! 

She may be small, but Miss Tamera truly packs a big punch! Her personality, kind heart, and technical skill makes her a rock star on the mat!

Miss Tamera strives to teach our Little Warriors:

"The value of inner strength. Even when the world is dragging you down you have the ability to fight for happiness and everything you want. So don't let them get you down!"

The kiddos love Miss Tamera because:

She really is the easiest to work with because of her size.

She's always singing or humming while she works.

She gets all the Disney references.

She truly is great at explaining and breaking techniques down in bite sized pieces.

A few of Miss Tamera's favorite things:

Miss Tamera loves martial arts. She was so excited to move up to adult class and be challenged by the new material that she requested to transition soon after her 15th birthday instead of waiting till 16. And she kills it in class. In addition to martial arts, Miss Tamera (aka Red, tomatoe, or "Tuh-meera") loves to read and loves to eat. She can frequently be found snacking, although her favorite is by far mac n'cheese. Since Miss Tamera is always singing, humming, and dancing her way through class it is no surprise that her favorite movie is the classic "Dirty Dancing."

A little bit more about Miss Tamera:

Miss Tamera has a passion for small animals (she has 5 pets), music, the martial arts, and for children. She loves to help the students learn and grow just like she did here at Warrior's Way. When we asked who her heroes were her answer definitely was the best. She said "My heroes would have to be Tuhon and Mrs. Krystal (not to sound too cheesy) because they build something out of basically nothing and look where they are. Changing lives. I know I wouldn't be the person I am without them." We couldn't be more proud of this young lady and her goals to continue working with children as a music teacher after school. She's awesome out on the mat and all her work with our student's are excellent reps to help her achieve her goals!

Miss Tamera you're a rock star! 

It's been amazing watching you learn and grow through all these years! 

We love that you enjoy and want to give back to future generations of Warriors. 

#RaiseAWarrior 

Sportsmanship: The Warrior Way

     No matter the age there is always a thrill that comes with playing games. We can't help it. As humans our innate nature and drive is to win. Now some competition isn't necessarily a bad thing. I mean after all competitive drive is what pushes us to do better in work, relationships, academics and life in general. However, a competitive streak can easily spin out of control.

      Here at Warrior's Way we're not about winning at all costs. We try to teach your kiddos that good sportsmanship means honoring everyone on the field of the competition, including opponents, instructors, parents and spectators. Because sportsmanship, when it really comes down to it isn't about games or rules, but rather it is about treating others with respect and being a good person. 

1. 
   

     There truly is no great secret to teaching sportsmanship. Kids follow our lead and need chances to test what they're learning. Most Warrior characteristics are like a muscle. They need to be utilized frequently to become stronger and ingrained within your child. So here are some easy steps to focus on in your home to start making sportsmanship a greater priority to your Little Warrior!

Don't let them win:

     When your child wins a game or sport it can be the cutest. They're excited and happy. As parents we're happy they're happy. However, this can easily become a moral pitfall if you let your child win every time you enter a contest or play together. It is unrealistic that we (or our child) will come first in everything, every single time. Life just doesn't work that way. You know it and I know it. So stop indulging their continued winning streak. It may be the easiest route, but our children need to know what it feels like when you come out on bottom as well as top. Losing teaches us to be flexible and resilient. It teaches us to work hard in the face of adversity and to cope with disappointment. These are vital lessons our children need. Because life won't be pulling any punches when they leave the nest. I'm not saying hang them out to dry. Consistently give them advice on how to do better in the future, but do not let them win just because.

Put the focus on what really matters:

     The goal of games and competitions aren't to win-win-win! That's a bonus of course, but it will be very unfulfilling life if that becomes our sole goal. Competitions and games give us a chance to test our skills and see how our hard work is paying off. And they're meant to be fun! To build relationships and strengthen our teamwork and cooperation. So instead of focusing on the stereotypical "Did you win?" up your game by asking instead "What did you learn?", "What would you do different?", and "Did you have fun?" With these tiny focal shifts you are teaching them to relish the process rather than solely looking forward to the end result. This goes a long way towards helping them deal with the many disappointments life will inevitably throw at them. And wouldn't we all be happier if we stopped looking forward to the end goal and celebrated every single moment?

Set some goals:

      Competing with others is great, but our true competition throughout life is ourselves. There is always someone bigger, faster, and stronger than you. You just can't change certain genetics or physical traits. So set some goals with your Warrior and teach them to always strive to be their best self. Don't be in competition with the world when you have personal goals to crush. This reorientation of goals and focus also consistently gives the satisfaction of small wins. You can very tangibly see your daily, weekly, and monthly progress in between life's challenges. Like we tell the kiddos after every tournament. If you don't love your performance or if you want to do even a little bit better. Set a goal. Show up. Work hard. Crush those goals. And see how far you can go!

Not sure what kind of sportsman your kiddo is yet? 

Put these character building lessons and their skills to the test:

Don't forget to stop by the front desk and register for THIS weekend's GRAPPLING TOURNAMENT!!! 

Our Warriors have been training hard in class to prep for this event! 
We'll see you on the mat. Details posted throughout our academy

#RaiseAWarrior