Did you know that children between the ages of 7 and 11 can lose about two months of academic progress over the summer? As the school year wraps up, kids often step back from their learning routines to enjoy family vacations, summer camps, and fun with friends. However, it’s essential to find ways to keep kids fit, active, and school-ready during these warm months.
For many families, this means enrolling children in a mix of recreational activities. Programs like summer camps, sports leagues, and Martial Arts classes can help maintain engagement while encouraging physical fitness. I regularly see our local Martial Arts center bustling with kids, as parents make an effort to keep them active and prepared for the upcoming school year.
Martial Arts can be an amazing way to bolster your child’s physical and mental health during the summer. It not only provides an excellent workout—enhancing strength, coordination, and flexibility—but also teaches discipline, respect, and focus. These qualities are essential for success both in sports and the classroom.
This summer, I’ve made it a priority to enroll my children in Martial Arts lessons. This keeps them fit and active while instilling teamwork and perseverance—important traits that benefit them in all aspects of life.
Alongside their Martial Arts training, my kids are diving into various physical activities, enjoying the chance to practice and play more than they do during the regular school year. It often feels like I’m running a shuttle service, bringing them to their different activities, but I do so with a clear purpose. I value the importance of staying active and preparing for what lies ahead.
I firmly believe that a successful future requires planning and effort; it doesn’t happen by chance. Today, many children are faced with an uptick in immediate gratification, which can lead to frustration when things don’t go their way. I teach my kids that they can achieve their goals through hard work and perseverance.
Experiencing challenges is an essential part of the journey. Losing can often provide the best lessons and a clearer path to success. I remind my children that it’s normal to face obstacles and that these moments help them grow stronger.
As a parent, I take an active role in guiding my children during the summer, ensuring they are fit, active, and school-ready. When my kids express a lack of enthusiasm for practice, I simply reply, “Get in the car.” More often than not, once they arrive and get involved, they recognize the value of practice and activity. Seeing their confidence and growth at events like Martial Arts tournaments or games is a powerful reminder of why we encourage them to stay engaged.
This summer, as I work to balance creating joyful family memories with keeping my kids fit, active, and ready for school, I’m reminded of the timeless truth: “One day, you’ll understand.” By nurturing both their physical and personal development in a loving environment, I’m helping my children thrive and prepare for a successful future.