Back To School Responsibilities Again

By Paul M. Jerard Jr.

It's that time of year when mom and dad look for ways to improvetheir child's academic standing during the upcoming scholasticyear or, at least, they should be. There are many options toweigh in such as: new school clothes, school supplies, peerpressure, after school care, homework, league sports, andtransportation. This is time of year for great changes, but hereare two changes that will impact your child for life and requirea bit of work and commitment on your part. Expose your child orchildren to some kind of faith: The faith of your parents, yourfaith, your spouse's faith, or the faith that you left behind.Set an example and start attending a temple, mosque, shrine, orchurch right now. If your children have nothing to believe in,will they have a happy, productive, and successful life? Youalready know the answer to the question, and it requires work toteach children. Anybody can let years go by, and teach theirchildren nothing. Find a hobby that suits your child and havethem stick to it. Oh no, more work! Yes, it is, but your childwill benefit immensely from this decision. It could



be dance,Yoga, martial arts, music, gymnastics, boy scouts, girl scouts,or something else, but whatever it is, your child shouldinitially like it. At that point have them make a commitment anddon't allow them to quit unless there is a solid reason. If acoach, teacher, or tutor is abusive, that's an understandablereason to leave, but you can always find another coach. Intruth, if you allow laziness, in your child, you will receiveit. Children will usually follow the path of least resistance,but they crave structure. My experience has been: Childrenconstantly turn their attitudes around, for the better, inmartial arts and Yoga classes. Due to the fact, that there is aformal set of existing rules and a code of conduct. Don't allowthem to sit in a corner with a video game and a television,except for rare occasions. There are too many good things goingon in the "real world" that need their attention. These twochanges will instill fortitude, perseverance, and goal-settingskills that last a lifetime. The rewards can be endless, foryour whole family.

About the author:Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training atAura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yogateacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts.He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults,and seniors. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Rightfor You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new careeras a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org