The Benefits of Encouraging Children to Learn the Art of Wrestling from a Parent's Perspective

I have had the privilege of supporting my child's journey in various activities, from athletics to performing arts. But nothing has inspired me more than witnessing their growth and perseverance in wrestling. Wrestling has taught us both valuable lessons about resilience and determination. I truly never expected wrestling to be such a transformative experience for both myself and my child.

Looking back on my daughters first year of wrestling I am filled with a sense of pride because I can see how much personal growth it inspired within her. It challenged her inner strength and motivated her to keep pushing forward. The lows forced her to dig deep and the highs allowed her to relish in her own success. Yes, wrestling develops physical athleticism by helping to build overall body awareness, coordination and strength- But what it really teaches is MENTAL TOUGHNESS.

Wrestling forces the student athlete to have a sense of confidence that many other sports or activities cannot even touch upon. Do not underestimate the level of confidence required to walk out on that mat without a teammate and compete in a physical chess match of sorts in front of a crowd of screaming spectators. Wrestling is the ultimate sport to teach self reliance, and self discipline. So, when I am asked as a mother of several very successful children what sport or event I think is one of the most influential I will now never cease to say - Wrestling.

Did I ever imagine myself here and saying this? That answer is unequivocally - no. If you asked me this question last year I would have easily said Speech (with some of the same underlying reasons, self reliance, confidence etc) and for the most part my children have been extremely successful in the academic and arts world. When my Daughter told me she wanted to wrestle I nearly dropped my coffee, but here we are, one season later.

I can tell you this too - Wrestling shaped me into a more resilient mother, capable of enduring her challenges with strength and grace. I learned to embrace my fears during these matches and transform those into my own personal growth too. With each cringe-worthy moment of watching her face and head push into a mat or being thrown and flipped around. I drew strength from my daughters tenacity as wrestling forced her to face challenges that made me pace nervously outside on occasion or seek solace in a bathroom. I learned to weather those storms without her seeing me sweat. As throw-downs turned to triumphs; anxiety was conquered with every pinning victory won.

The inner grit required to wrestle helps to build a student that can face challenges head on and rely on themself. If you are the parent of a wrestler - buckle up and get ready for the roller coaster of pride, anxiety, and overall courage. The journey is nothing short of rewardingly rugged.