Nov 03 2011
By Debra Shore
It’s freezing outside, but Jane dutifully takes her five-month-old Lab, Rocky, for a walk before breakfast. Though he pees right a
way, they walk for at least 20 minutes before he poops. Finally she can go home. It was a terrible walk anyway. Jane passed a group of children at the bus stop who ran up to meet her new puppy. Rocky backed away and snarled at the little girl who reached over to pet him. Up ahead, a neighbor was walking her dog and Rocky pulled Jane across the street to greet them. But after a few
minutes, out of nowhere, Rocky lunged at the other dog; Jane yanked him away just as they were starting to fight.
In the not-too distant past, Greenwich children who wanted to jump, kick and grunt had few options beyond playing ball in the same old places. Now dozens of dojos dot the landscape, each with a defined martial arts curriculum and philosophy. How to decide which is the best school for your karate kid? The process need not be confusing.
adjusted,respectful children. The basic ingredients remain the same -- love, praise and encouragement are the starters. But clearly stated expectations are also essential to the mix, as is a calm approach to problem solving. And don't forget the natural consequences resulting from poor choices. If both parents are relatively consistent and you're blessed with flexible and adaptable children with good temperaments, you're probably good to go. 
