A has been in a children's Taekwondo program at our local studio for almost two years. He started when he wasn't even four years old. I admit it, there were times when I didn't think A would last in Taekwondo. (I know that sounds terrible but it is the truth). He did not seem to be getting much out of it. It was often a battle just to get him to class. I wondered if he was actually paying attention. Was it worth the money we were paying each month in tuition? In class he does just what is necessary to squeak by, not much else. I can't help it, I want to see him do the best he can at everything.
We kept encouraging him, despite evidence that maybe this just wasn't for him. We always made a big deal about him earning each new belt and moving up in the class. I was never really sure who was more excited about his belt testing, A or Mom and Dad. I realized I was becoming the dreaded 'helicopter' parent but how else was I going to teach him about perseverance and follow-through? What I thought was really a lesson for him, ended up being a lesson for Mom.
A has always been a challenge to raise. I say that with so much pride and love. He frustrates me at times yet I can't imagine our family without him. A has his own way of doing things, that includes how he learns. Some might label him an 'unmotivated' learner. I have thought the same thing on many occasions. Schoolwork with him can be frustrating. I just never know if he is actually retaining what I am teaching him. Taekwondo has shown me that our little guy is taking in more than we think. He is slowly absorbing what is happening around him. It may look like he isn't paying attention or retaining anything but when you start quizzing him, you will be amazed at how much he knows. A is just like a sponge. He continues to blow me away daily with his perception and knowledge. All this time in Taekwondo, I lamented his lack of pizazz and finesse while kicking or punching. When I should of realized that he was really taking it all in. So he could do it right, when he was ready. A lesson that this Mom needed to learn.
Recently A tested for his Black Belt in his class. This was such a big deal for him. He talked about it for weeks. He practiced in the backyard, down the hallway and was ready to be quizzed at a moments notice. He was eagerly awaiting his turn to show off everything he has learned. Let me tell you, A's excitement was contagious. He was finally excited about Taekwondo. I was one proud Mom watching him stand on the mat and prepare to test. I once again learned that even though my children are just that, mine, they can still take me by surprise. They teach me so much about life. We were all created differently and unique, by God, and He gave us all a different way to learn and navigate life. "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb." Psalm 139:13-15
Here is the video of A doing his testing. He did great. He was so proud of himself. He had set the goal of achieving his Black Belt and he did it. I know our pushing helped him reach that goal, it also showed him that he could do it. It also showed Mom, to give him his space and let him figure things out on his own. He has to learn his way, on his terms. We took him out for Mexican afterwards to celebrate his achievement. He couldn't wait to tell everyone what he had done. Now if we could only get that same kind of motivation from him for other stuff, like his bedroom. =)
After the kids test, they get the opportunity to break a board. This is something A looks forward to each time. The first time he was a little hesitant about smashing the board but now he has broken boards with his feet and hands. He has collected quite a few boards. He was especially excited this time, not only did he break the board in one place but in two.
A had to wait a week to get his black belt. He couldn't wait to get it. When it finally arrived, he was so solemn and serious, it just made me laugh. Even he recognized what a big deal it was. So now we have our very proud black belt. And a Mom who looks at her son with new appreciation and insight.
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