After much weeping and gnashing of teeth we finally got Ellie to go out on her own and participate in the Tiny Tigers class. This was all my (mom) idea and after I read about the program and spoke to the instructors I knew Ellie had to be a part of this.
Tiny Tigers is part of ATA Karate and it is a Tae-Kwon-Do program specifically for younger kids (earliest age they can start is 3). They earn rewards for different things like completing homework/artwork, each week we fill out a Good Habits Worksheets (holding her accountable for chores and good behavior at home), and it really focuses on discipline and following instructions. Ellie is a total free spirit and that is mostly our fault. She has gotten use to doing whatever she wants whenever she wants. We provide her with oversight but as long as she is safe and behaving we don't intervene much. This works well as long as she is at home but once she has to start going to school or following a routine this will not work so well.
The first few weeks Ellie outright refused to participate. I felt so strongly about it that I went ahead and enrolled her in spite of her reluctance to even step out on the mat. She sat there watching the other kids with great intensity and I could tell she really really wanted to participate but she was afraid. This really tugged at my heart strings. Again, I knew this was our fault because we have kept her so shielded at home. I guess I was on a mission to right my wrongs.
Every week she was excited to return to class but would refuse to participate. The instructors were incredibly patient and kind to her. Mrs. Strange (an older Asian woman) would come and encourage her, sit by her, and always greet her warmly whenever. No one pressed us to participate - they waited patiently with us. Some days she would cry at the thought of having to participate but she always wanted to go back and watch.
I will have to admit that I did make a few "threats" to take stuff away ...... however she had to decide on her own that she was ready....
Then one day.....She went out there and did it......
and she loved it.
The pride she felt in herself for being so brave and then for getting an award for it was just priceless!
So, now we are soccer and karate parents!
We are so proud of you Elbo - for conquering your fears and being so brave!
