For kids, Independence Day is not the Fourth of July, but the day they turn 18 years old!  The fact is that children start their drive toward independence at a much earlier age and some parents are reluctant to support that quest. Parents’ nurturing instincts are to provide for all their children’s needs.

 However, allowing children to develop independence helps them take on responsibilities and teaches them to be accountable for their actions. When children make their own decisions, they control the end result. They learn their actions have consequences and experiences will prepare them for life as an adult. The more ''experiences'' they have, the better prepared they will be to become independent adults.

 As parents in a perfect world, we would let kids be independent as often as possible, give them responsibilities, monitor their results, and hold them accountable… good or bad. In reality parental influence is just one variable in a child’s life and our kids make independent decisions many times without us on a daily basis, at school and so forth

So how can we ensure that their learning experiences are positive? Unfortunately, there is no foolproof strategy. However, we can provide children with tools to give them the best chance for success. We believe there is no better tool than martial arts training.

 Martial art training builds self-confidence, which is the ultimate internal support system. Confident children make decisions unaffected by peer pressure and base decisions on the values instilled in them. In addition, confidence allows children to welcome independence rather than be fearful of it.

 As instructors, we hold students accountable in various areas, such as arriving at class on time, looking neat and clean, and showing respect to fellow students and teachers. While some of these areas, such as transportation to class, may not be totally in the students’ control, holding them accountable teaches them the importance of each responsibility.

 Parents of older children agree that it seems like ''yesterday'' when their kids were young and totally dependent. Time moves fast. It’s important to cherish that time when children are young, but to stay one step ahead of their natural tendency towards independence. We want you to know that as martial arts instructors we recognize our importance in your child’s life. And together, we can pledge allegiance to the goal of helping your children prepare for the independent years ahead. NAPMA