“I am strong. I am brave. I can do great things!”

       Working with children as they explore the world around them, standing by to help support, nurture and guide them in their journey as they face new challenges is truly a gift that I personally cherish. To witness a child finding their strength, their courage, their will, drive and even voice is something very special.

       In recent weeks, our SKILLZ Strong Ninjas have been facing a variety of trials beyond the mats. Some are wrestling with physical health challenges, others anxiety coupled with struggles in their social interactions with peers. This incredibly unique season of our lives and the dynamics surrounding the learning environment still differ from what so many of our young friends know to be “normal.” Just as we adults continue to face very real challenges in our day to day lives, so do our children amid the ongoing pandemic.

        Sitting together in a circle of safety, support and unconditional love, our team has begun a practice of having our Ninjas sit “criss-cross applesauce,” hands placed over heart space with eyes closed. Together, we say aloud:

“I am strong. I am brave. I can do great things.”

         Because each and every one of our Ninjas is Strong, Brave and absolutely 100% Capable of doing amazing things throughout their life’s journey with the gifts that are uniquely theirs to share with the world.

       But as parents, how can we best support this truth and further inspire the fire within that our children are strong, brave and capable of anything they set their minds and hearts towards?

1. By Showing Up!

       Week after week, Pediatric Ninja Specialists and SKILLZ Certified Instructors around the world come together, to gather in their respective studios to bring a truly supportive and critically valuable experience to their students. Ninjas worldwide who are surrounded by a tribe of leaders who ensure every child is seen, heard, nurtured, guided and loved is one of the greatest gifts a parent can bestow upon their child. Because immersing oneself in an environment(s) that envelops the soul in all that is good, encouraging and inspiring makes a difference! The gift of a coach, mentor, instructor and even fellow classmate showing up to cheer on success physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially is priceless!

    2.  By Shining a Light on their Wins!

A powerful part of the SKILLZ philosophy is shining a light upon the strengths of a child and building them up even further to become stronger in mind, body and spirit. This is a powerful mindset and teaching philosophy to have and share with our students, that there is great strength and power in immersing

oneself in learning and continual growth. Practice, learning, growing within the SKILLZ environment does not preach perfection but rather constant, consistent improvement.

       As role models and advocates for today’s youth, SKILLZ Instructors are a beacon of love, shining a bright, beaming light on the incredible spirit of our Ninjas! Why? Because the more we as teachers and parents focus on nurturing the strengths within our children and their courage to dream big in the pursuit of their goals, the more likely they are to keep stepping up and into healthy challenges that further develop their character. For these Ninjas know, when surrounded by a great tribe of support who see their strength, bravery and capabilities, anything is possible!

About the Author:

Meg Klettke is the proud owner alongside her husband, Alex of Family Strong Sussex, a SKILLZ Lifetime Gold studio in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a background in traditional and alternative therapeutics, Meg is an active advocate for today’s youth. Her passion for supporting and nurturing the whole child resonates through all she does as a Proud Ninja Mom of two boys with special needs, Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist and Content Creator for SKILLZ Worldwide.

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