No one wants to be a quitter. Good work ethic and perseverance are important qualities in life. Enduring through circumstances when it’s tough builds character.
Having run a marathon many years ago, I know this to be true! I remember hitting the “wall” around mile 20. My legs felt like 50-pound weights. I often think back to that marathon and I’m so glad I did not quit. It’s a reminder to me of the joy and exhilaration you feel when you do not give up.
Sometimes, however, quitting IS appropriate. When it comes to our children, WE have to be their compass and help guide them in this.
My 8 year old has been in Taekwondo for the past 18 months (as has his 10 y/o sister). Since he has dyspraxia, which is a brain-based condition that affects one’s ability to coordinate and plan motor tasks, taekwondo has been amazingly helpful for him. I can’t count the number of times I’ve said out loud to others, “Taekwondo is so good for Joe!”
He has been able to break boards with his hands, learn forms, and memorize various Taekwondo “meanings”. He has grown stronger. Perseveringly, he has worked up to his green belt and we’ve seen his confidence soar!
However, last month he moved up from beginner to intermediate. Intermediate is not like beginners. The pace picked up. The kids are faster. The forms are more complicated. He now dreads going and talks about his disdain for Taekwondo all the time. He is more on edge.
But I keep telling myself, “He can do this!” Nose to the grindstone, right?
Well, for someone with dyspraxia, this is easier said than done. And it’s been going on longer than a month. We put him in taekwondo to help build his coordination, strength, and confidence. But his confidence has tanked. His usually optimistic self is gone.
His little body is STRESSED.
THIS, along with seeking the Lord in prayer, is how we knew it was time to call it quits. And I’ll be honest… I’m mourning it a bit. I had high hopes for him in Taekwondo. We saw so much growth during the 18 months he participated in it, and I thought we’d get to see even more. It was great for him………for that time.
Sometimes, things are only for seasons. Sometimes, that season changes sooner than we expected. And knowing when to shift gears isn’t always easy.
But when our kids are STRESSED about something, and it’s not getting better or showing signs of improving, that’s a pretty good indicator it’s time to call it quits. Time to go a different direction and try something new.
