There’s something bittersweet about watching your kids grow up. On one hand, you’re so proud of the young people they’re becoming. On the other, you’re quietly wondering how time moved so quickly. Lately, I’ve found myself in that space, reflecting on how my boys are changing, evolving, and slowly discovering who they are.
If you know me, you know I’m a big believer in extracurricular activities. Keeping kids involved does so much more than just fill time. It teaches life skills like time management, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and even conflict resolution. And as a full-fledged boy mom? Let’s be honest, it also helps burn off some of that never-ending energy.
Traditional sports have always been my oldest son’s thing, especially basketball. He found his groove early. But my middle son? His journey has looked a little different. He’s tried a little bit of everything, searching for something that clicked. And while I always encouraged him to explore, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t waiting for the moment when he would find his thing.
A few months ago, we stepped into the world of martial arts after hearing recommendation after recommendation. And honestly, it felt like a perfect fit from the start.
This child of mine, arguably the most energetic of the three (and that’s saying a lot when you’ve had three boys in five years), needed something that could match his energy while also helping him channel it.
He’s the adventurous one. The one who pushes limits, keeps me on my toes, and, if I’m being honest, keeps me praying just a little bit more. He’ll try anything once, no matter how daring, and while I admire his fearlessness, it definitely has my blood pressure doing its own thing some days. But that same bold spirit? It’s also his superpower.
Taekwondo has become the place where that energy meets structure.
From the moment he started, it was clear that he was a natural. His instructor noticed it immediately, too. He picks up techniques quickly, moves with agility and flexibility, and approaches each lesson with focus and determination. What I didn’t fully expect, though, was how much of taekwondo is mental. Yes, it’s physical, but it’s also about discipline, integrity, and perseverance.
Last month, we had the joy of watching him test for his first belt promotion, from white to yellow. If you’ve never witnessed one of these evaluations, it’s something special. Students of all levels, even some training for advanced black belt degrees, demonstrate their skills and progress. And then there was my baby. The only white belt in the room.
While others performed in pairs or groups, he stepped out on that mat and did his evaluation solo. No partner or fallback. Just him, his training, and his courage. Man, did my eyes fill with tears!? Not because of the kicks or the forms, but because at that moment, I saw it. He had found his thing.
White belt focuses on respect, and he carried himself with it. He completed every requirement, even breaking his first board, and passed with flying colors. When I asked him afterward if he was proud of himself, his face lit up as he said, “Yes!” And that right there, that’s what it’s all about.
Now, he looks forward to every practice. His confidence has grown, his focus is sharpening, and he’s beginning to understand what it means to commit to something.
Will he stick with it long enough to become a tenth-degree black belt? Maybe. Maybe not. But that’s not really the point. The point is that he’s learning discipline, building confidence, and discovering who he is. And as parents, whether we fill our kids’ schedules or take a different approach, our role is to guide them through that journey to help them explore, grow, and eventually leave their own mark on this world. And in this season, I’m just grateful to watch him step into his thing. It’s a reminder that every child finds their way in their own time.
