Courage to Speak Up: Helping Kids Handle Bullies

All month, kids in our Keller classes at Peak Performance MMA have been working on courage. As October wraps up, we want to talk about one of the hardest kinds of courage for a child: speaking up.

What does courage look like when someone is unkind?

Our October motto is "Brave isn't never being scared. It's trying anyway." When another kid is teasing, pushing or leaving someone out, the brave choice usually isn't fighting back. It's standing tall, using a strong voice and getting help from a trusted adult.

That can feel scary, especially for a quiet child. That is exactly why it takes courage, and why it helps to practice before it ever happens.

How can parents help kids practice speaking up?

Kids are more likely to use a skill they have rehearsed. Try these at home:

• Practice a strong voice. Have your child say "Stop. I don't like that." with their head up and eyes forward. Then switch roles so they can hear what a confident voice sounds like.
• Pick their trusted adults. Together, name the people they can go to: a teacher, a coach, a parent. Telling an adult is not tattling when someone is being hurt.
• Talk about walking away. Leaving a bad situation and finding help is a brave choice, not a weak one.
• Ask about their day. Keep asking our October question, "What was something brave you did today?" Kids who are used to sharing small things are more likely to tell you about big things.

How do martial arts classes build this kind of courage?

Our kids martial arts classes teach jiu-jitsu and kickboxing fundamentals along with confidence, focus, teamwork and anti-bullying lessons. Kids also learn self-defense basics. Week after week, they practice trying new things in front of others, working with partners and listening to coaches, which all builds the confidence to speak up.

Little Ninjas (ages 4 to 7) meets Monday through Thursday at 5:15 PM. Kids Jiu-Jitsu for ages 8 to 15 runs Monday through Thursday at 6:00 PM, and Kids Kickboxing runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:15 PM. See all times on our class schedule.

If your child is nervous about a first class, our post on helping a nervous child find courage on the mat has simple tips. In November, our kids move on to a new life skill: gratitude.

Frequently asked questions

Do martial arts teach kids to fight bullies?

The goal is confidence, not fighting. Our kids classes include anti-bullying lessons and self-defense basics. At home, you can help by practicing a strong voice and naming the trusted adults your child can go to.

What age can my child start at Peak?

Kids can start at age 4 in Little Ninjas. Kids ages 8 to 15 can take Kids Jiu-Jitsu and Kids Kickboxing.

What should my child wear to a free trial class?

Athletic clothes (shorts and a t-shirt are fine) and a water bottle. No gear is needed.

Ready to help your child build courage? Call (817) 614-9325 or request a free trial class below.