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Teaching Children How to Accept Persons with Disabilities
Being that I am a fair skinned, red head who grew up on the Gulf Coast of Florida, I find myself frequently visiting the Dermatologist to have spots, “checked”. Here lately I call these my yearly personal donations to science as I have had one after another skin cancer removed. (PSA – Wear your sunscreen!) A few years ago, I had one that left me with a very large scar right on my neckline. It’s faded a lot but when I work out, the make-up wears off and it’s more noticeable. This was the case a few weeks ago teaching a children’s Taekwondo class. I was helping a little girl with her belt and she reached up and touched my neck and asked, “Is that a scar?” I said, “Yes, it is.” She looked for a moment and then gave me a big grin as she rolled up her sleeve.” I have a scar, too!” We both laughed and went on with the lesson. It was a connection moment between myself and a little girl and it got me thinking. I don’t know for sure how her mom or dad would have reacted had they been there when she asked the question, but I do know that often times we as parents overreact to a situation like this. When our children are curious about someone who is different from them, say, with a scar or in a wheelchair, we tend to get embarrassed and say things like, “Don’t stare!” or we pull them away quickly and scold them for being rude. I believe there is a better way to react that will increase “normalizing” those who have a disability that won’t cause children to be afraid and won’t alienate or embarrass the individual. Here are some tips to get you started: Your child says, “What’s wrong with them?” You respond, “There is nothing wrong with them, they are just different.” Lead the child into noticing what about them is the same. Talk about what someone might think is different about them. Explain that everyone has something different about them and everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Because someone’s leg muscles don’t work the same way yours do, doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them. They are simply different. You child says, “Why does he have only one leg?” You respond, “I’m not sure. He seems to be doing great don’t you think?” OR If the situation is right, ask the person if it would be okay for your child to ask a question about their missing leg. This could be very educational for your child and help them see that people with disabilities are just like them in most ways and not someone to be afraid of, shunned, or pitied. On the contrary, they should be accepted and respected just like all people. Use words like, helps instead of can’t. “The wheelchair helps him move around better.” Instead of “He needs a wheelchair because he can’t walk.” Remember, it’s okay that your child is curious. Teach them to be respectful and kind as well. Try not to lead them away from others with obvious physical disabilities. That causes fear and pity in a child for the individual and it is quite isolating to have others avoid you. Teach them to smile and make eye contact with all people. It does wonders for their own confidence, as well as makes those around them feel accepted. Do teach them to ask before helping a handicapped individual. Don’t assume they can’t do things on their own. It’s a great idea to have these conversations around the dinner table or while taking a walk, before an encounter occurs. Teach empathy not sympathy. Most people want to be respected, not pitied. One last thing. Not all disabilities are visible. Autism for instance. Speak with your child about patience when dealing with someone in their class who is on the autism spectrum. Teach them to look out for people who may be struggling and offer to help and be a friend to them. A little courtesy and respect can go a long way in making the lives of all people brighter. Remember to use the same attributes when dealing with those who have a disability. Blessings, Master Amanda Olson Master Amanda Olson is: A Master Martial Artist and Instructor of Taekwondo and Tai Chi. She teaches at her local Academy.. An Author of 2 Books – “Create a Happy and Harmonious Home” and “Parenting Survival Guide” You can find her books on Amazon by following this link. A Public Speaker – Topics include Building Confident Children at Home Helping Teens with Stress Bringing Harmony to Your Home Taking Control of Your Life You can find her on: o YouTube – Master Mom and Olson’s Martial Arts o WJHL TV – Daytime Tri-Cities o Super Talk 92.9 Radio Show o Facebook Amanda Olson Olson’s Martial Arts o Websites Olsonsma.com Askmastermom.com o Write to her at – Olson’s Martial Arts Academy, INC • 113 Cherry St. #10 Johnson City, TN 37604 o Email Her: amanda@askmastermom.com
ListenMaster Mom Podcast with Dr. Nathan Justice on Parenting
In this podcast Master Mom Amanda Olson speaks with a very open and honest local Pediatrician, Dr. Nathan Justice. He has wonderful advice for new parents as he is one himself. He has also has advice for parents of teens from a pediatrician's perspective. Dr. Justice gives a wonderful illustration of how a lesson he learned before finishing school has shaped his life and his practice. Dr. Justice is a man of faith and brings that strength with him to his family life and professional life. Dr. Justice can be reached at justicen@etsu.edu Amanda Olson can be reached at amanda@askmastermom.com The full interview can be viewed here : http://bit.ly/mastermomDrJustice
ListenWhen Your Child is Being Shy – Master Mom Amanda Olson
It can be very frustrating when you child freezes up, won't join the group or hides behind your leg when you are trying to introduce them to someone new. Fight the frustration and take a breath. Be patient and help your child slowly gain the confidence they need by being supportive. Getting upset with them will not help them feel more comfortable and may embarrass them even further making participation even less likely. If it embarrasses you, simply say to the other people involved. "This is something we are working on, thank you for your patience." This will help you feel better as well as let your child know you are there to help them. The other adults will understand. This is something EVERY parent has been through. You are not the only one and with patience and time, you can help your child overcome. When you have time alone with your child, let them know that being afraid to participate or to say hello to someone is not a behavior you want them to get used too. Help make an action plan for the next time so they can be prepared and know exactly how they are to act and the steps, even the words, they are are to do and say. 90% of the time it is the fear of the unknown. Help them to know better what to expect and how to handle themselves when things happen that they don't expect. If your child, on the other hand, knows no stranger and is the first to volunteer for everything, help them learn how to spot someone who may be having a hard time joining in and teach them to be a friend. Teach them how to go up to that person and introduce themselves. Teach them not to just include others but to look for those who NEED including. Their confidence is their super power and they should use it to make someone's day brighter. Master Mom - Amanda Olson Master Amanda Olson is: • A Master Martial Artist and Instructor of Taekwondo and Tai Chi. o She teaches at her local Academy and Virtually online. • An Author of 2 Books – “Create a Happy and Harmonious Home” and “Parenting Survival Guide” o You can find her books on Amazon by following this link. • A Public Speaker – Topics include o Building Confident Children at Home o Helping Teens with Stress o Bringing Harmony to Your Home o Taking Control of Your Life • You can find her on: o YouTube – Master Mom and Olson’s Martial Arts o WJHL TV – Daytime Tri-Cities o Super Talk 92.9 Radio Show o Facebook Amanda Olson Olson’s Martial Arts Master Amanda’s Virtual Tai Chi o Websites Olsonsma.com Askmastermom.com o Write to her at – Olson’s Martial Arts Academy, INC • 113 Cherry St. #10 Johnson City, TN 37604 o Email Her: amanda@askmastermom.com
ListenApathy in Children: Master Amanda Olson Says it’s a Warning Sign
When your child is apathetic and seems to never to care, it can be a sign that they don't feel in control. That it never matters what they want to do, or where they want to go, or what they have to say. They feel that no one listens to them anyway. Now, every now and then it really doesn't matter. "Where do you want to go for dinner?" and normal response we all often have is "It doesn't matter, you pick." However, when this seems to be the go to statement or when they seem to not care about things that are fun to do, it might be time to sit down and talk. Always pay attention to changes in your child's behaviour. Especially with sleep, diet, social changes and even mood. It's best to not pass this off as a phase but to take time to really check in and make sure everything is okay. Master Mom - Amanda Olson From the Olson Family We would first like to say, “Welcome!” It is our goal to provide the best martial arts training in a safe and encouraging environment. As a family we have devoted our lives to not only training the physical aspects of martial arts to thousands of people but the mental and emotional aspects, as well. Our goal is to help each student achieve Black Belt and Beyond. The reason for this is that we know from over 40 years of experience teaching martial arts that when a student experiences the awarding of a Black Belt, they soar with confidence. What it Takes to become a Martial Arts Black Belt It takes commitment, perseverance, goal setting and a strong work ethic to earn that belt. Even at a young age people know that a black belt in martial arts means something important. It shows you don’t quit; you don’t give up. That you have what it takes! Once you’ve done that, you know you can do anything you set your mind to: like getting into a great college, starting a career, making the team, anything you want. We love to hear the success stories of our students after they have gone off to college and started lives and families of their own. However, we are not surprised by their success. We already know they have what it takes to live their dream. Character Development Another goal we have as a family is to support families and help reinforce the qualities of character you desire for your child to have. Our proven character development and leadership program includes lessons from making eye contact to handling conflict. Also, speaking up and showing confidence ,as well as, standing strong for what you believe is right. Our desire is to train black belts who are not only highly skilled in the art of self-defense but who are kind, compassionate, confident citizens of our communities. People who have a strong work ethic and will show “Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Respect”, everywhere they go. Let us Partner with You! http://askmastermom.com amanda@askmastermom.com Because of this, we want to partner with you, the parents and families, in helping give your child a strong foundation in values, to be able to stand up for themselves and others, to make good choices, and to live a healthy lifestyle. Please don’t hesitate to speak with us if there is ever a point where we can help with question or concerns from motivation to troubles with bullying. We are committed to helping each of our students live a happier, safer and more confident life. Sincerely, Glenn, Amanda, Keith and Katie https://olsonsma.com
ListenMaster Mom and Scotty Campbell on RESPECT and Martial Arts
Now more than ever RESPECT is needed in our lives. Master Amanda speaks about how martial arts training can be a valuable tool in helping children and adults learn how to respect each other. Master Amanda Olson is: A Master Martial Artist and Instructor of Taekwondo and Tai Chi. She teaches at her local Academy and Virtually online. An Author of 2 Books – “Create a Happy and Harmonious Home” and “Parenting Survival Guide” You can find her books on Amazon by following this link. A Public Speaker – Topics include Building Confident Children at Home Helping Teens with Stress Bringing Harmony to Your Home Taking Control of Your Life You can find her on: YouTube – Master Mom and Olson’s Martial Arts WJHL TV – Daytime Tri-Cities Super Talk 92.9 Radio Show Facebook Amanda Olson Olson’s Martial Arts Master Amanda’s Virtual Tai Chi Websites Olsonsma.com Askmastermom.com Write to her at – Olson’s Martial Arts Academy, INC 113 Cherry St. #10 Johnson City, TN 37604 Email Her: amanda@askmastermom.com
ListenThe Benefits of Tai Chi for Health and Stress Relief
Master Amanda's Students discuss how Tai Chi has benefited their well being. Many students enjoy increased range of motion, better posture, better balance and find the breathing techniques to be relaxing. Each student has a reason for joining and many are pleasantly surprised that their health improves in ways they never expected. Subscribe to Master Amanda's YouTube Channel by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuG0JU_B4Cp1N_YoFe-3xmg?view_as=subscriber Book an appointment with her: Virtual on Zoom https://amandastaichi.youcanbook.me OR In person at her Academy: https://teenadultintroductorylesson.youcanbook.me
ListenMaster Mom Amanda Olson and Master Greg Macy discuss Leadership, Martial Arts, Family Life and the Covid-19 Crisis
Master Martial Arts instructor from around the country talk to their students and families about how they can be leaders at home and in their communities during the covid-19 crisis. Master Macy runs Ripple Effects Martial Arts in Colorado Master Amanda teaches virtually and in person at Olson's Martial Arts Academy. Both academies offer a full character development program along with effective and dynamic martial arts classes.
ListenAmanda Olson – Master Mom Interviews Dr. Kim Contryman on the Benefits of Martial Arts Training for All Ages
Dr. Contryman is a licensed Physical Therapist with her own private practice, BlueRidge Physical Therapy in Johnson City, TN. She explains from a scientific background how karate, jiu jitsu and tai chi helps a person both physically and mentally. As a practitioner herself in martial arts for the past 8 years she has a qualified and unique perspective to offer. She is also the parent of two daughters who train in karate, jiu jitsu and tai chi so she can speak to how these arts also help children build self-esteem and self-control. You can hire Amanda Olson to speak to your group either virtually through skype and zoom or in person. Besides being a Master in Martial Arts, Amanda is an experienced speaker on Building Confident Children at Home, Creating Harmony and Home through Easy Discipline Techniques and on how to help Teens and Young Adults work through stress in their lives. You can contact her at amanda@askmastermom.com or call 423-926-9161. AskMasterMom.Com OlsonsMA.Com
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