Today was a very stressful day for me as a parent. A local gym place (Freedom Gymnastics in Brodheadsville) ofers something they call ‘Ninja warrior training’. It’s like an obstacle course where kids get to try some difficult maneuvers and things.

Ryan was really into watching the TV show American Ninja Warrior, and he also likes running and doing ‘physical stuff. So we thought he would enjoy these classes.

We he fought me the entire time. For literally hours he whined, he cried, and he came up with every excuse in the book why he didn’t want to go. It was absolute torture that almost had me at the point of exploding and saying “FINE – I’m not wasting my time or money. We’re not going.”

At certain parts of the conversation Ryan mentioned he was concerned about being in a group with older kids (age range was 5 – 15). He was afraid of doing something wrong and being bullied. He was also afraid the teachers wouldn’t be nice and that something would go wrong. He said it’s a big risk and he doesn’t want to take it.

I was stern about going. I felt he needed to be forced into going to prove to himself that he could do it. To never be afraid to stand up for himself if someone made him feel uncomfortable. To never be afraid to take risks in life.

In the end he eventually went. And he loved loved loved it! He was smiling at certain parts. He had no problems with anyone. He was in a group with older girls. Everyone got along. He came out and said “I want to sign up for this again.” I was smiling from ear to ear and couldn’t be more proud of how he conquered this fear and finally opened his mind to trying something new.

Yes I forced him to an extent. But I needed to do it to help he realize that sometimes risks are worth the reward.

WAY TO GO RYAN!!!!!! He stuck with this place for a few years, but then hit plateau because the instructors were just going through the motions vs. helping his excel. He got bored with it.

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