As a child we bounce from thing to thing,
guided by sudden whims
But somewhere along the way it changes,
we no longer take chances
No longer care less what people see,
No longer believe,
in our dreams.
Instead we watch others, try to fit in,
we begin,
to build comfort zones like invisible walls.
Our dreams become grey.
Insidious acceptance of the status quo
because now for sure we know,
that dreams are impossible.  
Meanwhile our lives tick away,
 
“I wish I had….”  ‘Why didn’t I…”  the voice calls
because in here it’s comfortable
“And anyway, it’s too late….”
so the child retreats inside,
to hide
under a cloak of adulthood, grown-up-ness, excuses.
Is it too big a step to take?
To let the child throw off the cloak, step outside,
come alive.
The comfort zone is like a comfy chair,
it’ll still be there,
have its uses
when you tire, but you’ll never know what’s outside
if you don’t at least say you tried.

Grandparents can play a great part in the lives of their grandchildren, and lots of our Taekwon-do kids over the years have been hugely supported by their grandparents.

Parents are often busy working, or have other children to take to activities, so they may only have time to drop their children off at classes, whilst Grandparents, who are often retired, have more time to sit and watch.

Parents don’t always have the time to take their children to events such as competitions and seminars, so some Grandparents take that role on for them too.

Grandparents take responsibility for getting their grandchildren to Taekwon-do classes and events for many reasons. Some do it because they are their grandchild’s legal guardian, others to help out their own children and to be involved with the family, yet others do it because they love watching classes. Some grandparents have told me that they wish they’d had the opportunity to do a martial art themselves when they were younger, while others have been involved in sports coaching themselves and have seen the benefits kids get from it. Many grandparents also enjoy the social side that comes with their involvement.

There are other ways I've been told some of our TKD grandparents get involved, like asking their grandchild to show them what they’ve learned when, helping them practice, helping them learn their theory before a grading, even asking the child to teach them what they’ve learned and practising it with them! Whichever way grandparents get involved, they all do it for the benefit of their grandchildren.

Here’s to all the TKD grandparents, past, present and future. You’re doing an amazing job!