MORE THAN JUST ‘YOU’LL SHOOTYOUR EYE OUT!’ LESSONS FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season. SOMETIMES ‘DISASTERS’ LEAD TO NEW ADVENTURES. Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.
In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” YOUR KIDS ARE LISTENING TO YOU (OH, FUDGE!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. KIDS WON’T BELIEVE IN MAGIC FOREVER. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief
Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!
BUILDING CONFIDENCE HELPING YOUR CHILD GROW
While some kids are energetic and sociable, others keep to themselves and are rather timid. Regardless of your child’s temperament, martial arts can build their confidence. The more a child practices, even if only a little, the more they boost their self-esteem, not only in the dojo but also in many aspects of life. All a child needs is a little bit of guts and faith to take one small step forward. With enough nerve, they can push themselves into a world of freedom to pursue the life they want and deserve. Support from you is also crucial. When a child knows someone is encouraging them after they launch themselves into something that might seem scary, like martial arts, they can be emboldened to succeed. A child who is afraid of stepping out into the world and trying something new needs this type of support. It’s important that all children, whether they’re reserved or outgoing, aren’t forced into it, but instead, are patiently supported through their endeavors. Sometimes, this could mean parents involve themselves in whatever new activity their child starts. Try volunteering to coach, working in the classroom, going on field trips, or even just sitting in the audience. Having a friendly face in the audience will boost your child’s confidence significantly.
Positive feedback is also key in helping a child gain confidence. Let them know how proud you are of them when they take a scary opportunity. Give your child a chance to talk about the experience to you, and find ways to reward them for their efforts. It can also be important to talk about failures. People of any age can learn from failure; it’s a chance to look at mistakes and work toward fixing them. However, it is essential that they are not discussed negatively. Address them, yes, but never in a way that is demeaning. Anyone can build the confidence they deserve with enough practice, just like anything else. Start by taking little steps and build until you’re up to a full sprint.
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