People Are More Important Than Things

Life Skill Spotlight at Life Skills Karate in Orem, UT

At Life Skills Karate, we teach principles that go far beyond punches and kicks. One of the most important lessons we share with students and families is: People Are More Important Than Things. In the busy world we all live in, kids and adults alike get caught up in objects, schedules, goals, and distractions. This life skill helps bring us back to what really matters—connection, compassion, and putting people first.

For kids, this lesson shows up in everyday situations they easily recognize. We use the Backpack Analogy to help the

m understand priorities—if you fill your backpack with toys and snacks first, you won’t have space for homework, books, or lunch. The same is true in life: take care of the important people and responsibilities first, then add fun. Or consider the Saving the Best Seat example—at a movie theater, you save seats for friends and family, not stuffed animals. And in the Video Game Pause moment: when mom comes in carrying groceries, do you pause the game to help? Yes—because people matter more than winning the next round. Kids also learn compassion through situations like a Struggling Friend who needs help before jumping into play, or the classic Movie Popcorn moment—Is the popcorn more important than your sibling? These simple examples help students instantly “get it.”

Parents live this life skill in deeper, more layered ways. There are days when the to-do list feels endless, work is stressful, and the house needs attention. But when your child says, “Can you see what I made?” or “Can I tell you something?”—connection becomes more important than completion. We remind parents that kids don’t remember how clean the sink was; they remember how seen and valued they felt. Even one minute of focused attention has a bigger impact than a perfectly checked-off task list.

This life skill also plays a powerful role during moments of misbehavior or stress. When a cup spills, a shoe breaks, or a chore is forgotten, we encourage parents to look at the child before the problem. Responding with curiosity (“What happened?”) instead of frustration teaches kids that mistakes don’t define their worth. They learn resilience, accountability, and emotional safety—skills that strengthen both the home and the dojo experience.

At Life Skills Karate, “People Are More Important Than Things” isn’t just a phrase. It’s a mindset that helps kids karate students and families stay grounded in what matters most. When students practice it on the mat and parents model it at home, relationships become stronger, communication improves, and families experience more peace and connection.

Ways Parents Can Practice This Life Skill at Home

1. Phones Down During Meals or Game Time

Create a short “phone-free window” during dinner or family activities. Even 15–20 minutes of undistracted time sends a powerful message to kids: “You matter more than notifications.”This builds trust, emotional safety, and deeper conversations.

2. Pause Tasks When Kids Need Connection

If a child excitedly says, “Watch this!” or needs comfort, try pausing the chore, turning toward them, and giving a moment of full attention. It doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities—just choosing connection first, then returning to the task together.

3. Model Calm When Something Breaks or Spills

When accidents happen (juice spills, toys break, something gets knocked over), respond with curiosity instead of frustration. Kids learn that relationships matter more than the mess and that mistakes are manageable, not scary.

4. Invite Kids Into the Work Instead of Pushing Them Away

Instead of needing the house to be perfect, involve kids in simple tasks.Cooking dinner? Let them stir the pot.Cleaning up? Assign them one tiny job.This teaches teamwork, confidence, and prioritizing people over perfection.

5. “One Minute of Yes”

If your child asks for help or wants to show you something during a busy moment, offer one full minute of undivided attention:“I can give you 60 seconds right now, then I’ll finish this.”That minute is often all they need to feel seen and valued.

6. End the Day With a Short Check-In

At bedtime or before screens start, ask:

• “What made you smile today?”

• “Did you help someone today?”

• “Did anyone help you?”This practice trains kids to value connection and kindness over stuff.

7. Celebrate Helpful Moments More Than New Toys

When your child chooses kindness, flexibility, or empathy, praise it loudly.“Wow, you helped your sister before grabbing your game! That’s Black Belt behavior.”Kids then internalize that relationships—not possessions—bring real pride.