Have you ever noticed your teen’s decision-making patterns change? Or witnessed them make a poor decision that seemed totally out of character?
Most adults decisions are processed in the prefrontal cortex, which is in charge of “rational decision making”. Science has proven that during the teenage years the brain is rapidly growing which equates to more processing power. Since the brain is also being completely re-wired as the kids transition to becoming adults, the downside of all this growth is that many teen decisions are routed to the limbic system (emotional “snap decision”) portion of the brain.
So now you can see that our teens are not always in the driver seat when it comes to their emotions or decision-making. What if I told you that this isn’t the end of the world and that we have a way to make the transition into adulthood easier?
Our instructors at 4GK Martial Arts are a dedicated team of role models and with the science, psychology, and wealth of information the SKILLZ Programs provides, we understand these processes and have ways to help your teens become the best versions of themselves.
Communication is key, and that includes your teen, you as the parent, and us as your support team; let us know if/when your teen starts making poor decisions. We will never replace you as parents, but our role as Mentors allows us the opportunity to help to guide them when faced with tough decisions.
We can help teach them to slow down and take a breath, and then think through the possible outcomes and consequences for each decision when faced with difficult situations. This will help re-teach or condition them to slow down and really think through their emotions.
Being a role model also gives us the unique position to sit down with them one-on-one in a safe, non-threatening environment to talk and possibly get to the root of “what’s on their mind”. Sometimes we can make a connection that they might not initially foster with you as a parent.
Our Extreme SKILLZ program also focuses on “VISION” or being able to see the bigger picture. We can also work lessons into our mat chats or drills that closely relate to challenges our students are currently facing!
“It takes a village to raise a child”
4GK Martial Arts is dedicated to helping your child become the best version of his or herself, and we look forward to helping each student along his or her Martial Arts journey!
Need a Mentor for your teen? Check out our Extreme Skillz martial arts program for kids between the ages of 10 and 14 here:
