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A lesson learned from my 13yo

(My son’s been going to TaeKwon-do since he was about 5.
Last year, he started assisting in the Tigers TaeKwon-do program.
He’s 13 now and he still does not have black belt.
In other martial arts school, by now, he probably would have had a black belt).

My 13yo participates in music, student council, theatre, band, choir
and also teaches piano to 11 kids. He juggles his time between these activities and
sometimes has to make tough decisions as to which activity/event he has to say “no” to.

Sometimes, these decisions are not easy, but it’s a decision he makes for himself.

Every winter, he gives up his passion for singing to be able to attend 4 nights a week of TaeKwon-do classes. Last December, there were students that got tested for higher belt, but my 13yo was not one of them.

This spring, another testing is in place. However, my 13yo may not be testing once again.

So last week, after I picked him up from one of his TaeKwon-do classes,
I asked him if he is getting tested this spring.

“I don’t know, mom. Kyosah-nim has not announced it yet.”
“If you don’t get tested this time, aren’t you quitting?”, I asked.

“Of course not! Mom, it’s not about the belt .its the hard work and dedication.”
“But weren’t you upset when you didn’t get tested last December?” I asked (again).

“Yeah ..I got frustrated but it’s part of my learning process.
TaeKwon-do is not about the promotion or the tournaments.
It’s about dedication and the hardwork that we put into our training.
I did tell Kyosah-nim that because of conflicts with school,
I can’t continue to teach the Tigers program.
He said it shows maturity in my part informing him of my sort-of resignation .
I wish I can teach but I just can’t fit it in my schedule. “
“I don’t get it. You were just so upset last time, you were even losing interest,
What happened?” I asked (frustrated tone)

“Mom, it’s just frustration and I got over it. I learn every day.”

Copyright 2009 © GottaLoveMom CJ Solutions, Inc
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Comments

  1. grandma rozApril 7, 2009 at 12:40 AM

    MY DEAR JONATHON,
    YOUR WISDOM FAR SURPASSES YOUR AGE.
    YOU TAUGHT US ALL A VALUABLE LIFE LESSON TODAY.
    WINNING IS NOT ABOUT THE PRIZE, BUT THE PRIDE ONE FEELS WHEN THEY ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS.
    THAT IS THE GREATEST PRIZE!
    YOU SHOULD BE AN INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER - THERE ARE SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE (AND ADULTS) WHO CAN LEARN FROM YOU.
    I LOVE YOU, GRANDMA

    ReplyDelete
  2. ArthiApril 10, 2009 at 8:13 PM

    How mature. I am proud of our son. And you! I happened on your blog page from twittermoms. I blog about my 9yo too. I would like for you to visit her blog sometime.

    www.akank.com

    Keep blogging!

    Arthi

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jenjen @GottaLoveMomApril 11, 2009 at 1:10 AM

    Gma, we are definitely proud of him. Kyosah-nim read this, too, and had nice words to share.

    Arthi, thanks for stopping by. I checked your "home" and you 9yo is talented. It's a great thing to write about their transformations. Few years from now when you revisit your posts, I'm sure it'll make you smile. Come visit us again.

    ReplyDelete

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