What to Do When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go To Class: A PARENT’S ACTION PLAN

When your child doesn’t want to attend their class, use this step-by-step guide to encourage and motivate them:

STEP 1: EMPATHIZE AND UNDERSTAND

• Acknowledge Their Feelings:”I understand you’re feeling tired/upset right now. It’s okay to feel that way sometimes.”

• Validate Their Concerns:”I hear that you’re not in the mood for class today. Let’s talk about what’s bothering you.”

STEP 2: USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

• Remind Them of Their Goals:”Remember how excited you were when you earned your last belt? Each class brings you closer to your black belt.”

• Highlight Their Achievements:”You’ve made so much progress already. Think about how proud you’ll feel after today’s class.”

STEP 3: ENCOURAGE CONSISTENCY

• Discuss Routine Benefits:”Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Once you’re there, you’ll feel better.”

• Break It Down into Small Steps:”Let’s get ready together. We can take it one step at a time, starting with getting your uniform on.”

STEP 4: OFFER CHOICES AND CONTROL

• Empower Their Decision:”Which two classes this week would you prefer to go?

• Provide Flexibility:”How about we do something fun after class as a reward for going today?”

STEP 5: INSPIRE WITH STORIES AND ROLE MODELS

• Share Success Stories:”Do you remember when your friend didn’t feel like coming and ended up having a great time?”

• Use Role Models:”Your instructors have all had days like this too, and look how far they’ve come.”

STEP 6: FOCUS ON FUN AND FRIENDSHIPS

• Emphasize the Social Aspect:”Your friends will be there, and they always have fun with you.”

• Build Anticipation for Activities:”There might be a fun activity or game today that you don’t want to miss.”

STEP 7: HIGHLIGHT THE LONG-TERM VISION

• Talk About Future Success:”Each class you attend gets you closer to becoming the amazing black belt leader you want to be.”

• Discuss Pride and Accomplishment:”Think about how proud you’ll be when you achieve your next milestone.”

STEP 8: ENCOURAGE REFLECTION AND VISUALIZATION

• Practice Mindfulness:”Let’s take a deep breath together. How do you think you’ll feel after class?”

• Positive Visualization:”Imagine yourself finishing class and feeling accomplished. How does that make you feel?”

EXAMPLE SCRIPT

Parent: “I understand you’re feeling tired and not wanting to go to class today. It’s perfectly okay to feel that way sometimes. Remember how excited you were when you earned your last belt? Each class brings you closer to your black belt. Let’s get your uniform on, and we can take it one step at a time. After class, we can do something fun together. How does that sound?”

Using this plan, parents can effectively support and motivate their child to attend their classes, fostering a positive and consistent practice routin