Category: Parent Resources

Every day is a chance to improve yourself in some way, large or small. Self-improvement can range from making a career change to eating a healthier dinner. No matter what form it takes, bettering yourself is always positive and worthwhile. Pedro’s Judo Center has listed some tried-and-true self-improvement ideas to get you on track to […]

Research has shown that Olympic-level Judoka generally starts training early – around 6–7 years old. At what age did you start and what drew you to the sport? E: My mum and dad did Judo at university, so they took me & my sister down to their local club when I was about 5 or […]

Being a working parent is often challenging, and there are additional difficulties when you’re trying to work from home with young kids. It sometimes feels impossible to give your kids the attention they need while completing all of your daily job assignments. Use these five tips to find a system that works for you and […]

There is no question about it. Kids love sports, and for good reason. In addition to being great fun, sports also teach kids many lessons, including how to work as a team, dedication to a new skill, and the idea that they can do anything if they set their mind to it. Unfortunately, the cost […]

One of my favorite questions to ask friends and family is, “What is wellness to you?” The first reaction of most is a look of confusion…”What do you mean, what is wellness to me? Isn’t it the same for everyone?” is a common reply. The truth is that wellness is subjective and ever-changing. It is […]

Self-care isn’t just an adult thing—your kids can benefit from it too. It plays an important role in helping kids manage their emotions and behaviors, and it gives them the mental resources they need to face the challenges of the day with confidence and optimism. With this in mind, here are eight self-care tips for […]

When it comes to parenting, emotions can run high. When children act out negatively, parents often become frustrated quickly and react by trying to fix the behavior immediately by yelling, punishing, etc. However, this approach is never a win for the child or the parent. The book, “The Mindful Brain” by Daniel Siegel sheds some […]

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 […]

Adaptability is about how you respond to your child, especially when things do not go as planned.  Your child will have a variety of great days, bad days, and everything in between. Here are a few ways you can apply adaptability to your parenting and keep your child motivated: Intrinsic Motivation Choices What do you do […]

Being a nurturing parent means adjusting your child’s behaviors, not trying to change them. In other words, change the behavior, not the child. Let them Know that Mistakes are Okay  Don’t get upset when your child makes a mistake but use it as an opportunity to teach them, which is what parenting is all about. […]

Martial arts training can benefit people of all ages, from young children to adults. Whether they want to learn self-defense or work toward a black belt, taking a martial arts class can help them both in school and at home. With that in mind, here are 6 martial arts benefits for teenagers that you should […]

Before you enroll your child in martial arts classes, it’s natural to ask questions about the benefits and what martial arts training will do for your kid and their self-esteem. The good news is that the martial arts help kids by teaching them physical and emotional control, self-defense, and self-confidence. In fact, the confidence martial […]

Martial artists in movies are almost always young and attractive. In some of the more imaginative martial arts movies, they literally fly through the air, defying gravity and the laws of physics. For that reason, people who are a bit older may worry that they’re too old to start martial arts training. The good news […]

One of the most important things that you can do as a parent is establishing 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. Instead […]

Some physical activities focus primarily on working your body. While it might require focus and discipline to excel at any endeavor, martial arts training requires harmony of the mind, body, and spirit. The practice of martial arts is an exercise in constant self-improvement. One of the biggest benefits of signing up for a martial arts […]

Martial arts classes are popular with kids of all ages — and with their parents, too! While a lot of the focus is understandably on the ways that studying a martial art can help kids stay active and burn off excess energy, the mental benefits of martial arts for kids are undeniable. When kids study […]

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 […]

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 […]

Martial art movies almost always feature martial artists with sculpted bodies. While we understand the cinematic appeal of a chiseled six-pack, we also think that these movies send a message that may discourage some people from pursuing martial arts training. It can even impact their self-esteem. The last thing we want is for people to […]

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 […]

Physical and mental health go hand in hand. The physical benefits of martial arts training are well documented. Martial arts practice improves cardiovascular fitness, tones muscles, and can help people lose weight. What you may not know is that the martial arts aren’t just for self-defense and physical fitness. The training provided in a martial […]

Martial arts classes are fun and challenging. Students of all ages come together to master new skills and techniques, earn belts, and share a unique experience. Best of all, studying the martial arts has many documented health benefits that can improve your body and mind. Here are 10 health benefits of martial arts you should […]

Over the last year, sports programs have had shortened seasons, if any at all. Because of that, training time for athletes of all ages has dropped significantly. Now, with sports returning to a more normal duration, young athletes are working hard to regain lost skills and recondition their bodies. The problem, however, is that lengthy […]

Parents everywhere want their children to achieve success. This is usually defined by fulfilling societal norms, whether in terms of grades, athletic abilities, or something else. And the push to accomplish these things first is putting pressure on children and parents as well. Comparisons are fueling the expectation for children to develop at a specific […]

Over the past year, children have faced many disturbances in their daily lives and interactions. These things have contributed to a lot of emotional imbalance and brought on or exacerbated feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety. Since children are still developing abilities to regulate their strong and ever-changing emotions, they need assistance in strengthening these […]

Parenting is more than a full-time job. It’s a continual learning process that requires your time and attention to raise healthy, happy, and well-adjusted children. As a parent, it’s your duty and privilege to make sure these children have an inspiration upon which to base their own behaviors. Here are four areas that you can […]

For the past year, children have mostly been stuck inside, in front of a computer for school, and on a device during free time. And as much as parents have tried to keep their children active, it’s been a struggle with the limitations of many activities. But now, as communities begin opening back up in […]

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 […]

Attention span has long been a topic regarding 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 their […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com 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 […]

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, […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Parenting can be one of the most rewarding responsibilities we ever take on. With that, however, comes the ups and downs of getting children to comply with what we say while being pulled in a thousand different directions. It’s no wonder why parents often resort to yelling when begging and […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. The […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As we approach the one-year mark of an ever-strong pandemic that has rocked our world, we are searching for ways to keep ourselves mentally and emotionally in check. For teens, this has been an even more difficult feat. Adolescence is already fraught with stress and moodiness but adding in the […]

In recent years, parenting has undergone a shift and has become hyper-focused on the child. And while care, attention, and love are necessary for forming healthy attachments and helping children reach developmental milestones, an over-protective or coddling type approach can also hinder them. Rest assured, this parenting tactic comes from a place of love but […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As we know, children can lose control of their emotions for various reasons, and the behaviors 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 […]

from our friends at skillz.com Is it nature, is it nurture? That is the question. This age-old debate, in the world of psychology, has been a source of controversy for decades. At some point, all parents have toyed with thoughts of which one has most influenced their child concerning personality traits, abilities, etc. And while […]

from our friends at skillz.com 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 skills and abilities that we possess, we must have a growth mindset and […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Getting children to behave how we want them to can be tricky. Even with the best intentions, parents often fall short regarding enforcing positive behaviors in their children while also extinguishing negative ones. Understanding reinforcement schedules and strategies for implementing them can be beneficial to parents and create positive behavior […]

from our friends at skillz.com All parents want their children to exhibit positive behaviors that will help them transition smoothly through the different stages of their development. And while parents have the best intentions, they often don’t use the most effective discipline strategies to achieve that goal. And granted, parents do their best to implement […]

from our friends at skillz.com If the pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us to slow down and appreciate the moments we have with our loved ones. On the flip side, it has also caused some additional stressors for parents as they have had to play the role of teacher while also fulfilling […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com 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. And 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 […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Nowadays it seems that children are only interested in their video games, smart phones, and social media platforms. Parents are frustrated with their children’s lack of motivation for and attention to other activities that they are at a loss as to what to do. Therefore, parents often respond by taking […]

From our friends at Skillz.com We have all experienced, from time to time, that uneasy feeling you get when something doesn’t seem right. Often, we can’t put our finger on it, but we know that we feel bothered. For children, that uneasy feeling may show up as grumpiness or irritability, which can interfere with learning. […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Children today are presented with varying types of stressors in almost every aspect of their lives. The infamous “bar” has been set so high that in order to achieve it, children are asked to forgo “fun” and work towards superiority in everything they do. And while goal setting is an […]

from our friends at skillz.com 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 faced. It’s often as if a switch was flipped and chaos has ensued. This typically results in parents becoming frustrated at their child and […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com 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 […]

from our friends at skillz.com We’ve all set goals, to some degree, throughout our lives. Some were easily achieved while others we just gave up on completing. This is because most plans are either set in the comfort zone or the danger zone. And while our initial motivation generally puts on a path to setting […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com 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 […]

From Our Friends At Skillz.com The hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this year, maybe a little less intense but, no doubt, still exciting. While holiday parties may be missing from our typical December schedules, the pandemic can’t stop the spirit of the season! Decorating the house, wrapping gifts, and baking goodies will keep […]

As we continue to navigate the unchartered waters of the current pandemic, many are looking to the future and what it holds. And while it’s hard to predict how long our current daily life modifications will last, what we do know is that the experience of this trauma will have personal changes that could last […]

from our friends at Skillz.com For years, parents and children have been faced with the dreaded summer slide, a time when the school year ends and summer learning loss begins. And as if it wasn’t detrimental enough in it’s own rights, this year the summer slide has been accelerated by the COVID slide and trauma […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And while it’s exciting to watch children grow and develop into caring humans, parenting definitely brings about it’s fair share of challenges. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now faced with parenting during a pandemic which presents […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Parents have always served as the first, and typically, the most important role model for their children, even though family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well. However, in the wake of the pandemic, these people have had less of a presence in […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As the world continues its reopening efforts, more and more parents are headed back to work. And while this is a positive sign, it leaves parents with the task of finding their children a fun, yet safe, program to spend each day at. Since summer camps are unable to provide […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com In today’s world, there is an overgrowing focus on “me” and less on “us.” This “all-about-me” emphasis has led to a lack of empathy, which, in turn, results in more and more conflict. The primary reason for this…people do not listen. Their focus is on their own agenda, and they […]

from our friends at Skillz.com It is becoming more and more apparent that no one is to blame for everything that happens. So, if this is the case, how do we get ourselves in such turmoil if no one is responsible? Although this seems ridiculous, the use of “blame-shifting” has become the go-to way of […]

from our friends at skillz.com As we continue through the current pandemic and re-opening efforts show real challenges, school districts everywhere are trying to devise the best plans for children, teachers, and staff to return. And while there will be no perfect solution for each family, parents must consider all the information and choose the […]

from our friend at SKILLZ.com We are currently faced with all sorts of unknowns most, of which, are completely out of our control. And while we cannot dictate how others choose to move forward, what we can do, as parents, is prepare our own families for what may lie ahead. Currently, the most pressing matter […]

from our friends over at skillz.com Over the past few months, we have been inundated with information that seems to change almost daily, making it hard to resolve what should and should not be done. Everyone has their thoughts and feelings about varying current debates, especially regarding starting school. And while there will be no […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As back to school plans continue to change almost daily, children’s emotions will remain unpredictable. One day they are thinking about returning to their friends and teachers at school, and the next, they are told they won’t be returning for another few months. Because of this, our children’s emotional needs […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Over the past few months, interactions have been minimal, and our social skills are rusty. Since prolonged school closures have a negative impact on children’s social development, we are now faced with how to regain skills while moving forward with new skills. Though some children will return to a brick-and-mortar […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Throughout the past four months schedules have been upended and downtime has taken over. However, as the new school year gets underway, reality is going to show up and we are going to be scrambling to get ourselves and our children back on a productive path. In the book “The […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com As digital learning has become a widely preferred alternative for school, children everywhere are now “required” to be on devices in the wake of the pandemic. This is quite a change from the screen time limits that parents have attempted to enforce for years. Now, allotting time for school online, […]

Children of all ages are spending more and more time on devices. Online schoolwork and staying connected to family members are positive ways children can use technology. And while video games and social media apps are ways for children to connect and “play” with friends, these platforms are also a breeding ground for inappropriate content […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Adolescence has always been a challenging time for parents and teens to get through. Typically, this is because adults feel teens are lazy and/or out of control. However, these behaviors are usually present because teens feel uninspired and lack the right motivation in their lives. And while the development of […]

Today’s world is busy; people are rushing here and there to get to work, 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 […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com Choosing a martial arts school has always been a guessing game for most parents. Unless they have prior experience, to them, any style is coined “karate” so deciding on the best place is purely a guess. Parents generally look for a school that teaches punching and kicking, emphasizes discipline, and […]

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. […]

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 this to us. They know something doesn’t feel right, so they act out or exhibit a grumpy mood. The good news is, there […]

Endorphins are natural chemicals produced in the body to reduce pain and boost happiness. They are most often associated with exercise since the release of these “feel-good” chemicals cause a state of euphoria and is usually known as a “runner’s high.” However, most any exercise will cause this state of happiness and it is also […]

Back to School Tips for Parents Summertime is coming to an end, and with that comes all of the back to school anxiety and jitters that are common amongst children. Your child may experience common physical effects of anxiety associated with back to school time including symptoms from stomachaches to sleeping problems. They will also […]

The New Year has arrived, and lofty resolutions have been set. Anything from working out daily to saving money to losing weight, our society knows how to dream big! However, when big dreams aren’t broken down into smaller, achievable goals, failure often ensues. And to make matters worse, our children watch us throughout this short-lived […]

Learning is a big part of child development and how children learn things is dependent on a variety of factors. Much of the time, observational learning contributes to how children learn information and behaviors. This type of social learning can be greatly influential because of the role that mirror neurons play in learning. Providing children […]

article from our friends over at SKILLZ.COM 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 they experience in a short time is astounding. And while all skills are important for children to […]

article from our friends over at SKILLZ.COM 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 our martial arts, it is even more essential that parents be involved as part of the teaching team since […]

from our friends over at SKILLZ.com When we hear the term “school readiness,” the first thing most people think of is children knowing academic basics that will help them meet the demands of the classroom. And while these cognitive skills are important, teachers feel that skills in the other areas of child development are just […]

from our friends over at SKILLZ.COM Good behavior is a learning process for children, and we are their roadmap. Children usually behave per their own emotions and impulses. At the same time, being a parent is also a learning process and sometimes we rely on our own emotions and impulses to teach. Usually, that means […]

The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by the news and begin feeling anxious […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Let’s face it, conflict is hard and is bound to happen no matter what ground rules are put into place. Whether it’s on the playground or right in our own homes, children will clash. And while it can create challenging situations, it is a normal event that occurs between children. […]

from our friends skillz.com Stress is a significant part of our lives today. And while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Academic pressure, social tensions, family stressors, etc. all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, it’s important for parents to help their children develop […]

from our friends SKILLZ.com The recent closures of schools and businesses are widespread and have led to major disruptions in the daily routines of families. Children are trying to adjust to doing school at home and parents are now trying to balance their new work from home life with their role as teacher to their […]

From our friends at Skillz.com Although not new, virtual learning has increasingly become a more widely used approach, especially in the wake of the current pandemic. Nearly everyone has been directed to stay at home, which initially seemed like a vacation but quickly became an unwanted situation. With routines upended and everyone limited with access […]

from our friends at Skillz.com With our country at somewhat of a standstill due to the current pandemic, it’s easy to get into a routine that is more laid back. Anything from going to bed late to increased screen time, habits may start leaning on the unhealthy side. And one of the major behaviors that […]

from our friends at Skillz.com Remember when you wished the weekend would last forever? As weeks of the “shelter in place” order have passed, the eagerness for some “time off” has lost its spark. Children’s boredom is growing day by day and will continue, especially as many schools will be ending the school year earlier […]

From our friends at Skillz.com As the pandemic carries on, our coping skills are starting to unravel. For many people, this has become the ultimate emotional test. As we continue to maintain our distance from each other, not only have our social lives been halted, but our emotional support is wavering as well. And while […]

from our friends at Skillz.com We are all human and our responses to our current situation vary. Some have hunkered down and sorted through their new reality in a way that has motivated them to complete tasks and put new goals in place. Others have become increasingly overwhelmed and feel like they have no control […]

from our friends at SKILLZ.com For the past two months, we have been asked to socially distance ourselves from others in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. We’ve put most of our “normal” daily living routines on pause and created a secluded environment for ourselves and our children. And while many things are in […]

How Judo Builds Strength   Judo not only provides an aerobic workout but tones muscles, too. A lot of people associate muscle toning with heavy weight lifting. In judo, kids learn techniques through repetitive movements and create muscle memory. Repetitions help tone muscles without bulking them up. Both boys and girls can benefit from having […]

Improving Your Child’s Conduct at School Through Judo   At Pedro’s Judo Center, there is strong emphasis and training on becoming a leader both on and off the mat. Some kids have a tendency to engage in outbursts during class or simply don’t listen to their teachers. This affects grades and parents’ peace of mind. […]

Judo Teaches Safe, Respectful Self-Defense Many parents worry that putting their kids in a judo program will teach them that fighting is the best way to resolve their problems. It is understandable that people who haven’t studied martial arts have some real misconceptions about what it entails. Many martial arts movies put heavy emphasis on combat […]

Gaining Motor Control Through Judo Studying martial arts makes kids less destructive because it helps them control their movements. Young kids don’t have the same motor control that adults do. When an adult performs any motion, it’s a deliberate thing. The link between your mind and body is so smooth – and so highly developed […]

Judo: A Productive Outlet for Energetic Kids Parents of young kids know that their energy seems boundless. It can be a challenge to keep up! In fact, many parents end the day exhausted from running around after their children.  The exhaustion is real – and it can take over even when your kids are old […]

Let Pedro’s Judo Center Host Your Child’s Birthday Party Planning a party can be quite a headache. Between picking a venue, decorating your home, or just buying supplies, it can be stressful and feel like a lot of pressure to arrange the perfect day for your special child. Not to mention, kids bring a lot […]

Fostering Self-Control and Confidence Through Early Friendships   “No,”  Said every two-year-old, ever. The ‘Terrible Twos’ really don’t have to be so terrible. Engaging your toddler in a safe, constructive, active, and disciplined environment can strengthen focus and encourage cooperation. With a sense of security, particularly with a parent by their side at a very […]

Playing a Role and Taking an Initiative in Your Toddler’s Physical and Cognitive Development   The physical growth and cognitive development of a toddler is unparalleled to any other stage of life. From gross motor skills to hand-eye-coordination, toddlers are stimulated and challenged by seemingly simple tasks. Simplicity should not be overlooked at this stage […]

Don’t Get Spooked Learn How to Stay Safe Door to door candy stops are a tradition on Halloween night with friends and family. Decked out in a costume, kids are excited and ready for some fun. Before going out, however, it is important to keep in mind a few safety tips that will help keep […]

As parents, we want what’s best for our children, and we also want our children to give it their best when they participate in extra-curricular sports and activities. The problem is, we sometimes get caught up in our desire to see our children perform well and we speak up at the wrong times. With that […]