Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts.

It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

This month’s Powerful Word is OPEN-MINDEDNESS.

Here’s a video from Dr. Robyn Silverman in which she introduces some of the concepts we’ll be covering this month:

As it is December, we are fortunate to see many cultures observe a variety or different holidays and traditions during the course of the month.

When we are open-minded, we can celebrate the differences highlighted at these times, learn from one another, and recognize that there are similarities among us all. Read the full article →

Throughout October 2012, we’ll be working on the concept of “self-esteem.”

All our discussions and activities will aim to help our students understand why they should regard themselves highly and feel good about who they are.

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts. It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

To inspire your own discussions at home, here are six of our favorite quotes about self-esteem:

“Act, speak and dream as if you are valuable. Because you are.”
—Dr. Robyn Silverman

“Productive achievement is a consequence and an expression of health and self-esteem, not its cause.”
—Nathaniel Branden

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self- esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”
—Sam Walton

“Low self-esteem is like driving through life with your hand- break on.”
—Maxwell Maltz

“Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.”
—Thomas Carlyle

“Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness.”
—Louise Hart

To give you more ideas for conversation topics, here’s a run-down of what we’ll be discussing this month:

Week 1 Self esteem defined: What is it, what we say and think about ourselves
Week 2 Self esteem and our abilities: Talent, effort and outcome
Week 3 Self esteem and comparisons: Body, mind, skills and strengths
Week 4 Self esteem, friends & family: The people who we want to surround us

Image Credit: rAmmoRRison on Flickr

Throughout October 2012, we’ll be working on the concept of “self-esteem.”

All our discussions and activities will aim to help our students understand why they should regard themselves highly and feel good about who they are.

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts. It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

In this video, Dr. Robyn advises a parent who is beginning to see self-esteem weakening in his pre-teen and teen children.

To give you more ideas for conversation topics, here’s a run-down of what we’ll be discussing this month:

Week 1 Self esteem defined: What is it, what we say and think about ourselves
Week 2 Self esteem and our abilities: Talent, effort and outcome
Week 3 Self esteem and comparisons: Body, mind, skills and strengths
Week 4 Self esteem, friends & family: The people who we want to surround us

About Dr. Robyn:
Dr. Robyn Silverman, child development specialist, body image/body bullying expert, sought-after speaker and award-winning writer, is known for her no-nonsense yet positive approach to helping young people and their families thrive. Her ground-breaking research at Tufts University on young women is the foundation for her book, “Good Girls Don’t Get Fat: How Weight Obsession Is Messing Up Our Girls and How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It.”

Throughout October 2012, we’ll be working on the concept of “self-esteem.”

All our discussions and activities will aim to help our students understand why they should regard themselves highly and feel good about who they are.

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts. It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

In this post, Dr. Robyn answers a question from a parent who wishes her child had more confidence.

Dear Dr. Robyn,

— Amanda A.; Chicago, Il

Dear Amanda,

We all want our children to feel good about themselves for who they are, what they do and who they are working to become.

Here are some ways to ensure that that can happen:

(1) Replace negative language:

When we consistently speak negatively about ourselves, our ugly words stick in our heads.

Our negative self-talk becomes our truth and sets the tone of how others see us as well.

Encourage your son to say at least 3 positive things about himself each day so that he creates a new habit of positive self talk.

(2) Provide interesting experiences:

By encouraging your child to participate in activities that he enjoys, your child will have more positive experiences that will enable him to feel good about himself.

He will also have the ability to make progress, help others and perhaps even master skills in his chosen area.

Whether it’s in sports, academics, school, volunteerism or other community activities, when and where does he feel best? Read the full article →

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts.

It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

This month’s Powerful Word is SELF-ESTEEM.

Here’s a video from Dr. Robyn Silverman in which she introduces some of the concepts we’ll be covering this month:

People with strong self esteem regard themselves highly and feel good about who they are.

In order for children, teens, and adults to thrive in school, business, and life, they must see themselves and their contributions as worthwhile.

When I speak to audiences about constructing self esteem, I discuss my C.O.R.E. (TM) concept (Comparison, Observation, Recognition & Expertise/Efficacy).

Comparison: Those with high self esteem don’t “compare” to demean themselves or others. Read the full article →

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts.

It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

This month’s Powerful Word is DISCIPLINE.

Here’s a video from Dr. Robyn Silverman in which she introduces some of the concepts we’ve been covering this month:

Discipline is one of the most important character concepts that can help children thrive and become their best.

On the one hand, we need to have the discipline to follow “written or stated rules.”

This may refer to rules set by our parents (i.e. come home by curfew, complete chores), our schools (i.e. come prepared, keep hands to oneself, wait one’s turn), and our community (i.e. obey traffic laws, don’t litter).

On the other hand, we must learn to follow our own self-imposed rules.

These rules allow us to achieve our goals, become a productive member of society, make friends and become a leader.

For example, there may be no “written or stated rule” about studying for a test, but someone with discipline will do it anyway as it’s part of their own self-imposed rules.

To simplify things for our children; the first part of discipline is about having respect for others, the second is about having respect for ourselves.

Both parts of discipline are important.

While parents, teachers, and other adults are in charge of the external rules, only the children themselves can be in charge of their own self discipline.

Discipline has been connected with children’s ability to thrive in school.

A study in 2009 shows that discipline is twice as important in predicting academic success than intelligence.

A study out of the University
of Montreal this year further explains that “Children who are more likely to work autonomously and harmoniously with fellow classmates, with good self-control and confidence, and who follow directions and rules are more likely to [bring these actions] into the adult workplace” (January, 2012).

Please speak to your children about your methods of staying focused and disciplined even when it’s challenging.

How do they keep control of their bodies and minds when distractions are everywhere?

To give you more ideas for conversation topics, here’s a run-down of what we’ll be discussing this month:

Week 1 Discipline defined: What is it & when and where do we use it?
Week 2 Discipline & choices: Rewards of discipline and consequences without it.
Week 3 Discipline skills: Self con- trol, anger management, goal-setting, accountability.
Week 4 Work before play: Why are disciplined people/teams so successful?

We’d love to hear how your conversations go with your child so do share with us!

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts.

It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

This month’s Powerful Word is COOPERATION.

Here’s a video from Dr. Robyn Silverman in which she introduces some of the concepts we’ll be covering this month:

Cooperation, quite simply, is when we work together towards a common goal.

It is made up of a compilation of social skills such as taking turns, sharing, listening, compromising, rallying together as well as valuing and appreciating others.

Cooperation takes patience, empathy and accountability.

Cooperation is among one of the most important skills that children can master. Read the full article →

Throughout July 2012, we’ll be working on the concept of “accountability.”

All our discussions and activities will aim to help our students understand that accountability is closely linked in with being dependable, responsible and trustworthy.

As part of this month’s theme, we’ll be sharing with you some of our favorite quotes about accountability.

Here’s a great quote about accountability from Dr. Robyn Silverman:

“Drive + Accountability = Goal Realized!”

To embed this graphic on your own site, just copy and paste the code below into your blog post or web page…

Like this graphic? Get more fitness, nutrition, and personal development tips from Urban Martial Arts in Brooklyn, NY.[/code]

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts. It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

Throughout July 2012, we’ll be working on the concept of “accountability.”

All our discussions and activities will aim to help our students understand that accountability is closely linked in with being dependable, responsible and trustworthy.

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts. It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.

In this video, Dr. Robyn advises a parent who wants to make sure her kids don’t follow the bad examples of their cousins by making messes and not cleaning them up.

To give you more ideas for conversation topics, here’s a run-down of what we’ll be discussing this month:

Week 1 Accountability defined: What is it and when do we use it?
Week 2 Good Choices, Bad Choices: Rewards and consequences of our actions.
Week 3 Looking back & forward: Admitting and fixing mistakes.
Week 4 Accountability partners: staying on track with our goals.

About Dr. Robyn:
Dr. Robyn Silverman, child development specialist, body image/body bullying expert, sought-after speaker and award-winning writer, is known for her no-nonsense yet positive approach to helping young people and their families thrive. Her ground-breaking research at Tufts University on young women is the foundation for her book, “Good Girls Don’t Get Fat: How Weight Obsession Is Messing Up Our Girls and How We Can Help Them Thrive Despite It.”

Throughout July 2012, we’ll be working on the concept of “accountability.”

All our discussions and activities will aim to help our students understand that accountability is closely linked in with being dependable, responsible and trustworthy.

As part of this month’s theme, we’ll be sharing with you some of our favorite quotes about accountability.

Here’s a great quote about accountability from Mildred Newman:

“We are accountable only to ourselves for what happens to us in our lives.”

To embed this graphic on your own site, just copy and paste the code below into your blog post or web page…

Like this graphic? Get more fitness, nutrition, and personal development tips from Urban Martial Arts in Brooklyn, NY.[/code]

Powerful Words is the name of our character development curriculum here at Urban Martial Arts. It’s designed by one of the nation’s leading childhood development experts, Dr. Robyn Silverman. Every month, we’ll focus on a different Powerful Word, or concept around character development.