For those who don't speak German, it roughly translates to self-reliance. It's not uncommon to see young kids in Germany preparing their own meals... using public transportation... and walking themselves to school. In Scandinavia, 5 and 6-year olds attend forest school where they learn to whittle and carve with knives as well as start cooking forest. We understand that this might sound daunting -- even terrifying to think of your kids doing that -- but at Makoto we believe ability comes down to expectations.
Do you think a four-year old can help bring in groceries... pull weeds,,, or make the bed? Could a 6-year old vacuum? Or a 10-year old make their own dinner? Developmental experts say the answer is "yes" to all of those things. Most American parents, unfortunately, don't expect their kids to do such things as preparing meals. But why?
Parents might say... "Well, they might hurt themselves," or the all too common "It's just easier (and quicker) to do it myself." At Makoto -- and the Martial Arts Studio -- we have a saying... "If you can do it, we expect you to do it." You see, kids love to please us and show us (as well as themselves) that they are capable of doing many, MANY things. So if we expect them to make the bed, they will. But we have to expect it. We have to give them the opportunity to rise to the occasion.
Now, giving them that occasion may be hard. It can be a struggle for us parents to completely stay out of it and let them do the chore/responsibility all themselves. (After all, we realize that in the beginning we will most likely have to re-wash the dishes that they do). But the end result -- the increase in their confidence, capability, and self-worth -- will totally be worth it.
At Makoto, and The Martial Arts Studio, we always have high expectations for your kids. Because we know that they can do many, many things. And, with work and guidance, rise to every occasion and flourish. Your son or daughter is more capable than you think.