Helpful Hints for Parents
Parents: These are some helpful hints to the parents
1. Be helpful, but don't coach your child.
2. Teach your child to enjoy the thrill of competitions, by giving them the encouragement they need to improve their attitude and skills. Let them know, winning is not the most important thing compared to striving for excellence!
3. Try not to re-live your athletic life through your child.
4. Don't compete with the coach.
My Child complains about coming to class...What Should I Do?
Sometimes parents, especially parents of young children, mention to us that the kids complain about coming to class. The parents acknowledge that the kids like class once they are here, yet they think that maybe the child is losing interest.
In many cases, the child is not telling you he doesn't like his classes. Often, he is demonstrating that he is "present focused." At early stages of development, kids are not always able to project their thinking into the future, and weigh the potential for future enjoyment. For example, if you offered a young child 50p now or a pound in a week, they probably will choose the 50p, and the immediate gratification.
To deal with this, first of all, understand that the child may be delighted with the lessons, and still demonstrate this behavior. Secondly, talk with your child...not when he is complaining, but at a later time. Explain to your child that you will no longer accept complaints about his commitment to martial arts, that if he has a specific complaint, he should speak to his instructor. By doing this, you are eliminating any complaining that is just complaining, at the same time, you give him/her the opportunity to address any real complaints.
Then, follow through! If your child complains, hold up your hands, and say "Wait! If you have complaints about classes, let's set up a time for you to speak to the school instructor!" And when your child does come without complaining, let him/her know how much this pleases you.
Being firm and consistent will get good results...and, as the children mature, they will be better able to understand delayed gratification!