In today’s single parent, latch key kid society, developing a child’s self esteem and self worth has never been a more difficult task for the parents or whoever is looking after the kids. It is amazing to learn how many grandparents are actually taking over a majority of the parenting duties while Mom or Dad is working two jobs to support their families.
Unfortunately, the grandparent, although full of love, is just not equipped to help raise the kids and take the time to figure out what the child’s interest and skills are pertaining to extracurricular activities. So these kids don’t really have the opportunity to explore what they might excel at and therefore boost their self esteem.
Growing up the classic 98 pound weakling with acne and a crippling speech impediment, I wasn’t exactly brimming with confidence and as the kids today would call ‘swagger’ (omg I feel so old)! I did develop a pretty decent sense of Don Rickles humor. I could make fun of you enough to distract you from making too much fun of me, providing I could get the words out. I did have a few close friends and managed to have a couple of girlfriends, usually my friends would drag me along to go out with their girlfriends’ friends but it seemed to work out sometimes.
It wasn’t until college when I started lifting weights and discovered my niche. I had some success in developing a decent physique and began to gain attention from people (ok…women). I felt like I belonged somewhere and fit in. The gym was a place where I went and found peace and was able to just focus on myself. I have made many friends and dealt with many issues just by exercising, and you don’t have to be a ‘meathead’or ‘gymrat’. The positive effects externally and internally that I have gotten through exercise have changed my life 100%. So much so that I am part owner in All 4 One Fitness and became a Life Coach. I have gone through hard times like anybody else and my 90 minutes in the gym were the only thing that got me through the day. Emotional exercise gives you a much better feeling than emotional eating.
The gym was the answer for me but it doesn’t have to be for all kids. It is about taking the time and exposing kids to enough things until they find something that they can achieve success in and boost their self confidence. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in my life coaching and personal fitness services at 954-649-3283.