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Relationship

These tips, written by an instructor, will help you as a parent complete the parent/student/instructor relationship that is important to have for your child's successful training.

1. We suggest that you set a schedule of at least three lessons per week, if possible. The student should attend often enough to retain information and progress smoothly. Remind your child when it is time to get ready for class; and help him get his things together. (His instructor will not let him use you as an excuse if he does not have all his equipment and his complete uniform.)

As the novelty of the program begins to fade, other activities may divert your child's attention from his Taekwondo lessons. If he balks at coming, simply say that he doesn't have to participate. Put his uniform in the car, and bring him to class to "watch." Once he arrives, his attitude will likely change. It is important that you use this opportunity to teach your child to honor commitments--not to "quit."

2. If a student is in ill health, he should not attend class. If he has an injury, he may benefit from attending the class as an observer or in limited participation. (Speak with the instructor before the class begins.)

3. Each student is expected to maintain a clean, pressed uniform. 
It does not have to be freshly laundered for each class, but should look fresh and clean at all times.

4. If a student is in need of a quick snack before coming to class, please avoid snacks containing refined sugar and avoid milk products. Fruit juices and nuts are quick and nutritious choices.

5. Practice courteous and respectful responses at home.  For example, a student should begin by using "sir" and "ma'am" at appropriate times.

6. Give strong emotional support to your child. Ask what he learned at class, praise effort (not ability), and watch his progress from time to time. It is not necessary that the parent attend every class. The child must learn to concentrate, which is sometimes difficult when the parent is in the room. You and the instructor can make this judgment together.

7. If you have questions concerning the methods or material in the lessons, please make an appointment to speak with the instructor. The instructors have specific goals for all classes and for each child. Because you know your child, you are encouraged to be an active part of the goal-setting process.

If you feel that your child has negative or frustrated feelings, please try to identify the reasons)and speak to the instructor about them, even if they are not Taekwondo related.

8. Discipline is not punishment, it is training. The dictionary states that discipline is "training that produces moral or mental improvement"... one of Taekwondo's major goals.

Training means forming new habits and correcting old habits. The child may see no reason to make an effort to change. At that time, he may make negative comments about his instructor and the school, just as he probably does, at times, regarding his school teacher.

Avoid joining your child in criticizing the program or the instructor until you have had an opportunity to have a conference with the instructor.  The instructor is interested in your child's progress, and that progress is best accomplished when the parents are an active part of the team relationship.

9. Please inform the instructor of any special characteristics or temporary circumstances that may interfere with your child's learning process.

10. Each student should bring his report card to the instructor each time grades are received. The instructors are interested in the "whole child," and will support you in encouraging your child's academic effort. Most parents find that Taekwondo training brings significant academic improvement by developing better skills in memory, concentration, and following directions as well as improved conduct, responsibility and respect.