Have you ever noticed your teen’s decision-making patterns change? Or witnessed them make a poor decision that seemed totally out of character?
Most adults decisions are processed in the prefrontal cortex, which is in charge of “rational decision making”. Science has proven that during the teenage years the brain is rapidly growing which equates to more processing power.
Since the brain is also being completely re-wired as the kids transition to becoming adults, the downside of all this growth is that many teen decisions are routed to the limbic system (emotional “snap decision”) portion of the brain.
So now you can see that our teens are not always in the driver’s seat when it comes to their emotions or decision-making. What if I told you that this isn’t the end of the world and that we have a way to make the transition into adulthood easier?
Our instructors at SKILLZ of Patchogue are a dedicated team of role models and with the science, psychology, and wealth of information the SKILLZ Programs provides, we understand these processes and have ways to help your teens become the best versions of themselves.
Communication is key, and that includes your teen, you as the parent, and us as your support team; let us know if/when your teen starts making poor decisions. We will never replace you as parents, but our role as Mentors allows us the opportunity to help to guide them when faced with tough decisions.
We can help teach them to slow down and take a breath, and then think through the possible outcomes and consequences for each decision when faced with difficult situations. This will help re-teach or condition them to slow down and really think through their emotions.
Being a role model also gives us the unique position to sit down with them one-on-one in a safe, non-threatening environment to talk and possibly get to the root of “what’s on their mind”. Sometimes we can make a connection that they might not initially foster with you as a parent.
Our Extreme SKILLZ program also focuses on “VISION” or being able to see the bigger picture. We can also work lessons into our mat chats or drills that closely relate to challenges our students are currently facing!
“It takes a village to raise a child”
SKILLZ of Patchogue is dedicated to helping your child become the best version of his or herself, and we look forward to helping each student along his or her Martial Arts journey!
Need a Mentor for your teen?
We have two options for tweens and teens:
- Our Extreme Skillz martial arts program for kids between the ages of 10 and 14.
- Our STORM Leadership Academy for kids 9 and up who want to take active leadership roles in their community.
Give us a call! We’d be happy to help you find the program that meets your child’s needs.
Michael is a 6th-degree black sash under his teacher, Moises Arocho, and has been training in martial arts since 1985. Michael has a degree in Massage Therapy from NY College of Health Professions. He is the co-owner of 4GK Martial Arts in Patchogue, NY, and Skillz of Patchogue, a childhood development facility using martial arts and other movement modalities as the vehicle for kids’ growth and success. Michael is also the Lead Consultant for Skillz Worldwide.