Thursday, April 17, 2008

Noah's First Class

Noah started his first martial arts class tonight. I was planning to put him into Tae Kwon Do but it just didn't work out and I wanted to get started before school got out. I found this class through Grandville Community Education and Steve took him to his first one tonight. The instructor has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do so it is comforting to know that the tenets are there. Unfortunately, Thursday is my full day/night of teaching so I couldn't go.
As a matter of fact, it is really bothering me that I won't be able to see him in ANY of his classes because I always teach on Thursday nights. I can't take one off because I am taking one off already in two weeks for our trip to St. Louis.
I am actually surprised at how much it is bothering me. I can't believe he will complete an entire session and I won't have attended a single class. I remember my mom not going to anything of mine and I always swore that my kids would never feel the same way. It's my job as a mom to be part of whatever they do and I feel completely cut off. I guess he tests for his first belt in week 10 and I am going to HAVE to take that night off. I WILL NOT miss his first test.
Steve said he did really well. There were only two other kids in the class, which I think is too small but Noah seemed excited...he came running out of bed when I walked in the door to tell me "I really like Mr. Ernie". It still unnerved me when Steve told me that he needs to buy "protective gear". He's only five. I know I would feel better about this idea if I were seeing for myself what they were actually DOING that required protective gear.
The purpose of putting him into the class is not for any reason other than the discipline related to the study of martial arts. I think it will be good for him to learn other ways to solve conflict besides fighting.


Speaking of discipline issues, we had a REALLY GOOD day today. Mommy didn't raise her voice a single time. Noah earned a STACK LOAD of tickets. Here is a picture of how he likes to count his tickets to see what he can "buy". I don't think he's figured out the whole budgeting thing yet, but he will soon enough.

Have a great Friday.

I will be posting my 100th this weekend...YEA!!!!!

6 comments:

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

I understand how you are feeling, but I think it's great that dad gets to do this with Noah. Growing up I didn't see much of my dad because of his work schedule. I love my dad, but I still feel a sort of distance between us. It is very important to me that my girls get time alone with their dad. They spend much of the day with me. I'm guessing he loves having daddy take him, too. Not that he doesn't need you, but male bonding is good, right?

Melissa said...

I totally understand how you feel! I havent been able to chaperone any of Gavin's field trips this year because I babysit. It has bothered me sooo much! My mom always came with me on mine and I so wanted Gavin to have his mom there. He actually had his last one of the year today. The only way I feel better is to remember he is only 5 and there will be many more trips in the future that I can attend. So sorry you feel left out! Hugs to you!

Ladybug Crossing said...

My #1 did Okinawan karate for a long time! He loved it. They are not teaching your son how to fight. They are teaching him how to defend himself. This is an excellent activity. The cup - don't sweat the cup. They all wear them in case they get kicked accidentally. Not a big deal.

Actually, I almost never went to the Dojo. My Mr. did that with #1 and LLB. That was their time... Their activity.

Relish the fact that they have Dad there and relax.
xo
LBC

Courtney said...

Congratulations on the great day with Noah. Try not to beat yourself up too much. You can't be everywhere and if you weren't teaching, for one you'd be there and for two he may not be able to do it because you have to get the money from somewhere, right? That is what I tell my kids when I drop them off at daycare every.single.day. It kills me and I am sad that this is what I have to do! Good luck!!!

Lindy said...

I'm glad he's having fun so far! I think we'll have to do something like this with our two-year-old eventually. He's already karate kicking the cat :(

bethn said...

Don't worry about it. He'll love that he's got Steve to take him and it may become a special thing for the 2 of them. YOu're there for the other stuff and that's what matters. I'm glad the tickets are working for Noah. Good luck!