10/14/2026
When my son was nine years old, he was preparing to test for his Junior Black Belt.
Like many kids, he had gone through times when he said:
“I don’t want to do karate anymore.”
During the weeks leading up to his test, we began practicing his material together outside while waiting for the school bus.
I wasn’t making him practice.
I simply took the reins and said, “Let’s do this together.”
It became a father-and-son thing.
One day, I asked him why he had kept going toward Black Belt—even during the times he had wanted to quit.
His answer was immediate:
“Because you believed in me, Dad!”
I have never forgotten that.
As parents, one of the most powerful ways we show our children that their goals matter is through how we show up.
Take an interest. Help them practice. Encourage them through the difficult periods. Become part of the journey.
Our involvement tells them:
“What you are working toward matters to me because it matters to you.”
We cannot earn their accomplishments for them.
But we can make sure they don’t have to make the journey alone. 🥋
