When DS finished VT in 6 weeks (!) I’d like to get him involved in something to help him with self regulation, but I’m thinking of forgoing real therapy (OT„ neurofeedback) for the time being, and letting him do something fun. I’m thinking of something martial arts based, but I’m not familiar with the various disciplines. Any thoughts? There ‘s a popular Tae Kwon Do place near us.
Re: martial arts?
I think the martial arts are very good on the coordination and motor planning. Make sure you don’t just go for a popular dojo (martial arts gym) but one that teaches kids well and gives them the right lessons.Messages to kids would be things that it is not alright to do this on one’s friends, that violence is not acceptable, that this is a safe environment but you won’t use this unless your life is dependent on it and even then will get the kid to think of other things (like running).
One where the teacher is familar with ld kids and likes the work with them vs someone who wants to work with all the more athletically inclined. One that doesn’t do lots of sparring, and when doing sparring uses the right equipment (includes feet and hand pads and helmets, cups, and mouth guards, esp. made for martial arts).
Don’t go to a dojo that hands out black belts. Kids should feel like the earned their belts.
Don’t sign contracts unless they are very short term (2-3 months).
Watch a few classes, talk to parents and students. A parent child class might be great depending on age of kid (and parent).
I got to intermediate level— and it was great for me.
—des
Re: martial arts?
Shopping for the right dojo is important — and what’s right for the general masses may not be right for you.
I took yoga from a popular teacher… but it was geared towards athletes — which, at my bicycle mileage, I could be confused for easily, but her instruction amounted to “watch me, now you do it.”
I heard about another instructor that some of the ladies in myh class dropped in on and hated — she was always correcting people!
No surprise that for this very verbal, auditory learner, the “always correcting” teacher (who also broke the task down and modified extensively for people like me) worked a whole lot better. However, I recommend the other lady to more “whole-to-part” learners …
Re: martial arts?
You might also want to look into Yoga for children. My daughter is at a specialized LD school and takes yoga there after school from one of the teachers. They say that it is suppose to help with coordination, self confidence and focus. I have seen some improvement and she does like it too!
Suzi
Re: martial arts?
Hi Karen,
We go to a wonderful Hapkido studio that I’m very happy with. We learned about it from other families in our neighborhood. For my son having a couple of friends from school in class was really nice. Although he has made friends there too so that wouldn’t have been an issue. I think the best thing to do is ask other local parents and visit the studios. Good luck! :-)
Martial Arts training
Both my daughters (age 7 and 9) are in LD classes and are currently taking Tae Kwon Do (purple belts). At first they did not like the regimented classes and being novices in a group of more competent students was difficult, but our school allows parents and children to start off together so they stuck out the first few months at my request. Now they are the more advanced students in a class of children-only and they have begun to really enjoy the sport. What is important is that while the instructors insist on correct behavior and focus, they also pace the class for youngsters. Our instructor spends a portion of each class talking about self-discipline and control, and building self-esteem. Shop around for the right situation and attend several of the classes to see how they are run. I would also caution that this is no overnight process. It took almost a year for my kids to really get into it. It can also be expensive. Martial Arts trianing is multi-modal and can be good exercise, a great life-skill, and good for the child’s self-confidence. Good luck.
Martial arts are thought to be helpful for motor planning and sequencing. Another thing you might check out is therapeutic horseback riding. It isn’t going to cure anything, but it is very useful for teaching kids to be aware of their bodies and it also strengthens legs, trunk muscles and balance. Plus, its great fun and gives a child a sense of control. After all, if you can make a gigantic animal do what you want, you have really accomplished something. Horses are very smart and sensitive creatures and many children really respond to them. Looks for a program that is certified by NARA.