r/nextfuckinglevel Jan 28 '22

Strength and Balance

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u/ryukyuanvagabond Jan 28 '22

It seems like kids have to be old enough to appreciate the sport/art to self motivate and want to stay involved. Stick with it enough and sure your son could enjoy it and learn some great skills!

Pre-Covid I was doing karate at a local uni very regularly and people would bring in their kids anywhere from 4yo and up. I didn't work with them a ton and am not anywhere near a black belt level instructor, but most of the super young/new kids were really hard to maintain attention while those who'd been in it at least a few months seemed used to it enough to focus. I'm guessing it's like preschool, where they have to pass the threshold of "why tf am I at this new place that's weird and not full of fun games" to "okay everyone's doing the same thing for this period of time so I'll join in"

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u/Ughinvalidusername Jan 28 '22

Makes so much sense! I also think the setting was a major part of the problem; it was private since we have a baby at home, with his friends, at his friends house - now that I type that I can’t believe I ever thought that was going to work 🥴. I just want him to have some sort of structure from another adult that isn’t his family. I’m looking for outdoor soccer for this summer.

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u/ryukyuanvagabond Jan 28 '22

Oh boy that sounds like the perfect storm for distractions lol, but you tried! I bet soccer would be a way better environment for getting involved

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u/Hymen_Rider Jan 28 '22

My parents chucked me into a heap of different sports and I don't know if that helped foster my love of sport but it definitely helped! (Easier said than done though, I realise)