Let’s face it, we have all had the challenge of getting our kids to come to martial arts classes, especially if they are online classes via ZOOM. The most frustrating part is how much they enjoy the class when they are doing it.

In fact, you may face the same challenges with lots of activities with your kids.

Kids are not naturally self-motivated. When your child's mindset is not in the right place, even the most fun activities can be a struggle to get to.

Well, here are 5 tips that may help you motivate your child to want to attend more classes and make these times a little bit easier.

Mindful Tips to Use When Kids Don't Want to Attend Class

1. Be attentive to what your child is doing at the moment they are supposed to get ready for class.

If he/she is playing or having fun with a friend or on an iPad, then be ready for a battle. With that said, have your child participate in a chore or task that's not as much fun around 10 to 15-minutes prior to getting ready for class.

2. Be attentive to your own projection of emotions as you get your child ready for class.

If you are stressed, rushed, or aggravated in any way, this will project the same emotions on your child. Be sure to project positive and upbeat energy as you are getting your child ready for class.

3. Be attentive to how you respond to your child's overall performance after class.

If you are expressing too much emphasis on what he/ she did wrong versus right, then those negative feelings will carry over. With that said, be sure to limit criticism and focus more on productive conversations after class.

4. Be intentional with your goals by communicating with your child's instructors.

The goal is to foster motivation. Let the instructors know about your struggles so that they can be mindful to motivate your child before, during, and after class. It takes a village, so don't be afraid to ask for support!

5. Prompt motivation by rewarding your child.

Remember that children's brains are still growing, and most of their development comes from positive stimulation and experiences. With that said, pre-frame the proper behaviour that you would like to see when going to class, and then set an attainable number of classes he/ she must attend with this behaviour, along with a reward for doing so. For example: attend the next 3 classes with the proper behaviour and we will grab ice cream on the way home.

These ideas are often forgotten about as we move throughout our day. We get caught up with our own task list and forget that we sometimes need to be intentional in our actions to help our kids get the most out of their activities, such as martial arts classes.

If you have any other tips, I would be happy to hear about them and add them to the list above.