To "Karate" or "Not Karate"

Updated on October 15, 2009
E.G. asks from Canton, GA
4 answers

My nearly six year old daughter, ungainly, rather uncoordinated, but cute as hell, started taking Karate classes recently. She isn't really good at it, but is really enjoying it. My husband is not supportive of the idea, and does not want to spend the money on something she isn't too good at yet.

It is a source of tension in my relationship with this man. My daughter would be heartbroken if she could not go, and I would be really pissed with myself if I backed down on this.

Help.

E.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Well thank you Folks! Your wisdom is always so welcome. Basically it turns out that was is worrying my husband more than anything is that we are going to take a vacation next month back to SoCal. This is not a cheap adventure. Then there is Christmas to worry about. So he wants to revisit the Karate classes at the first of the year.

Arigato!

E.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.F.

answers from Atlanta on

Being good is not all what it's about and as time goes she will get better. It's first about disaline, he should understand every one gets different belts at different times, every one masters their level based on their own ability she's not going to learn anything by being stopped because of her ability. In fact if he does this he will only add to making her self esteeme go down hill and she'll never forget it, it could effect future things that she tries.
He didn't make her stop coloring when she went outside the lines? well, then so she's out side the lines on this she won't be forever. Stick to your guns and tell him it's not just about now it's about later in life how doing this will effect her.

Best of luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Atlanta on

E., congratulations on being a wonderful mom and a supportive parental figure. I saw your recent post about "what happened" and I wonder -- would your husband give up his cable TV or his cell phone for a few months to pay for this vacation? What is he willing to give up himself versus just taking away from his daughter something that doesn't affect him? Sorry if this seems bashing -- my husband is the same way, and I am constantly bringing up all the things he could give up to get the money versus things he doesn't directly benefit from and only then does he "get it." GOOD LUCK AND STAY STRONG!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Micheal Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team...we all know how that turned out. Its about the enjoyment and confidence she gaining, not her mastery of activity. Go with your gut on this one and let her continue. But at the same time he needs to be careful about expressing his lack of encouragement around her. Your daughter will know and feel that which can also be damaging. You don't want her to grow up seeking male approval elsewhere because daddy doesn't think she measures up. He just needs to enjoy the moment and her thrill of what she is doing. Accept her skill level for what it is. So she may never be a master at karate, but with the confidence she gets from this activity now will help her discover (set the foundation for, build the skills for) whatever she is supposed to master!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Atlanta on

First of all props to your six year old for taking karate! What your husband may be thinking is that it is a sport for boys and that could not be further from the truth! My son started taking karate at the same age and he was not particularly coordinated. Karate taught him to focus and how to relate to his body. He was not flexible at all but the training gave him flexibilty I didn't think he was capable of. Most important, in your case, his instructor is a woman and a serious contender in the sparring ring! Your daughter will learn self defense AND confidence both of which will be very important as she enters her teenage years. The disipline of this sport is truly invaluable and I thought the money was well spent. I hope this helps you go to bat for your daughter's decision at her age if she is excited to go I say let her.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions