What to do?
My son is 4 and has been going to karate class for about 3/4 months (once a week) and has always loved it. About 3 weeks ago, he started crying after finishing a kick combination in which they get in line for. He told me his foot hurt and was sobbing. The following Wednesday, he was doing fine during class but as soon as it was time to get in line to do combinations, he started saying he was scared and didn’t want to. He didn’t do the last 10-15 minutes, as I kept assuring him it would be ok and that I was there watching him. He then tells me later that a kid said a bad word to him. I told him he needs to let me know if something like that happens so I can act appropriately. Mind you, he has baseball twice a week and has never had an issue getting in line (except once but he was fine within a few minutes).
The age group for his class is 4-6. He doesn’t have any siblings, and doesn’t have any cousins so he doesn’t really know how to be around kids. But I make sure I put him in different classes, or encourage him to talk to kids and play with them.
His new karate session started today. He was very excited yesterday, and after talking with him, I made sure to let him know and reassure him that I take everything he says very seriously, as I don’t play when it comes to my child.. but as soon as it was time to go, he was SOBBING saying he doesn’t want to go. I didn’t want to drive all the way for him to just cry in class, as it’s a good 30-35 minute drive. But also, part of me is upset thinking I should’ve maybe taken him as he’s quite sassy and needs to learn to grow when uncomfortable and speak up for himself. But seeing him cry, saying he’s scared also stopped me as I don’t want to force him to do something he’s crying about.
After talking, he said he does like to do it but is scared of the kids.
I don’t have any mom friends and I truly just need some guidance or advice. What would you do? How would you handle it? What would you say to your child?
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE 💓