Wants vs. Needs: Why Letting Your Child Quit Might Be the Wrong Move
As parents, we all want to protect our children.
We protect them from physical danger. From failure. From disappointment. And sometimes… from things that are uncomfortable or hard.
So when your child says, “I don’t want to go to karate anymore,” it can tug at your heart.
Maybe they had a tough class. Maybe they’re tired after school. Maybe they didn’t get the stripe they were hoping for.
Whatever the reason—it’s tempting to give in and let them quit.
But here’s the truth:
What your child wants and what your child needs are not always the same thing.
And that’s where parenting becomes powerful.
Kids Don’t Always Choose What’s Best for Them
Ask most 7-year-olds what they want after school, and you’ll probably hear:
“Snacks. iPad. Pajamas.”
You probably won’t hear:
“A structured martial arts class where I’ll learn discipline, focus, grit, life skills and have to say Yes, Sir!”
That’s because children aren’t wired to seek out challenge.
They’re wired to seek comfort.
But comfort rarely leads to growth.
At Rising Sun Martial Arts in Jupiter, Florida, we see it all the time—kids from Abacoa, Palm Beach Gardens, and surrounding neighborhoods who struggle in the beginning… but come out transformed on the other side.
Not because they never wanted to quit—but because their parents helped them stick with it.
Quitting Isn’t Always the Answer
Letting your child quit too early sends a message:
“When things get tough, it’s okay to walk away.”
And while there are times to walk away in life, there are far more times when pushing through makes us stronger.
In fact, our students often hit their biggest breakthroughs right after a hard moment—whether it’s a belt they didn’t earn, a sparring round that felt frustrating, or a class where they just didn’t feel “on.”
That’s when the magic happens.
That’s when character is built.
The Lesson Behind the Belt
At Rising Sun, we’re not just teaching karate or Filipino Martial Arts.
We’re teaching:
How to keep going when it’s easier to quit
How to recover after disappointment
How to try again—with more focus and resilience
Those aren’t just “karate skills.”
They’re life skills—and they’re part of why families across Jupiter trust Rising Sun as the best martial arts school for long-term development.
When Parents Stay the Course, Kids Rise to the Challenge
We’ve had parents say:
“He begged to quit… but we decided to ride it out. Now he’s more confident than ever.”
“We made a deal—get your next belt, and then we’ll talk. Now she’s helping lead class!”
“We used to argue about class. Now it’s the highlight of his week.”
These families didn’t ignore their kids’ emotions—they guided them through them.
And that’s what real parenting looks like.
So… What Should You Say When Your Child Wants to Quit?
Here’s one way to approach it:
“I hear you. I know this feels hard right now. But we made a commitment, and I believe in your ability to finish what you started. Let’s work through it together.”
That small shift—acknowledging their feelings while still holding the boundary—can change everything.
At Rising Sun, We’re With You
We understand how tough parenting can be.
And that’s why we see ourselves as more than just a martial arts school—we’re your partner in building strong, resilient kids who know the difference between giving up… and growing up.
If you’re a parent in Jupiter, Abacoa, or Palm Beach Gardens looking for a program that teaches more than kicks and punches—
👉 Click here to schedule a free class
Let’s give your child what they truly need—not just what they want in the moment.
Because on the other side of “I don’t want to”… is a breakthrough waiting to happen.
