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| By Robert Kiyoshi
Fujimura |
INTRODUCTION:
Taekwondo is a martial art (also international sport) that
demands a great deal of concentration, dedication, sacrifice and time to
master. All these elements lead to a natural conclusion, the younger a student
begins, the sooner he will master the martial art. Yet while still a child, he
possesses little control over his world (ability to manage his time, financial
resources, ability to care for himself, etc.). Enter the Parents. Until the
child becomes of age, they must attempt to provide transportation, finance
lessons (equipment, membership fees, trips relating to Taekwondo, etc.) and all
the other things necessary for practice of Taekwondo. In essence the parents
must become a sort of “manager” for the student. What should they be expected
to do to help and not hinder their child’s
progress?
INVESTIGATE THE DETAILS:
Most Taekwondo schools are geared to do one thing,
teaching Taekwondo. Anything that follows is usually less of a priority and
less attention is given to them. An example of communication between the
instructor and the parents is often left to the child (sometimes 5, 6, or 7
years old). The parent may tell the child an important message, but in turn
the child may forget to relay the information to the instructor or the reverse.
Parents should be the ones to pay attention to the details and as the children
become more responsible, delegate more duties to the children. A gifted child
will almost always be more involved with duties relating to Taekwondo including
extra travel for matches or extra days of training etc. A parent should know
the details to relieve possible misunderstandings at a later point. When in
doubt, ask the instructor. This is why he is in charge. The parent should not
feel embarrassed about asking questions pertaining to their children's training.
BECOME PART OF THE
EXPERIENCE:During the child’s Taekwondo training, there are many things that the
parents may be able to do to help and show that they are concerned and
involved. Be supportive not only in the financial level, but also on the
physical and emotional level. Taekwondo teaches the children to “respect and
obey parents”. Share the achievements and the success that the children will
experience. The children will enjoy Taekwondo knowing that their parents are
behind them “win, lose or tie”. The first yellow stripe that is added to the
belt may seem small in the world, but it is the first step that a student takes
in a lifetime of Taekwondo. The first match that was lost because of
inexperience may be small to the outside world, but it may discourage the child
from ever fighting again. Become involved. SUPPORT THE CHILD:
Do not live vicariously through the child. Most teachers
have seen when the parents try to live life through the child. This serves only
to rob the joy and expression the child receives from Taekwondo. Parents should
always know the difference between being supportive and being manipulative..
Manipulation represses the child’s actions. What was once a freedom to practice
soon may become a obligation to perform. With the many pressures on a child,
this must not be one.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR
CHILD:Communication is defined as the “process by which
information is exchanged between individuals”. The key is exchange. The child
must not only hear, but also must be heard. This is not a freedom to “say
whatever they want”, but rather seek to exchange those ideas that constructively
support the relationship. If the child feels he cannot share the joys, sorrows,
problems or thoughts of Taekwondo training with his parents, he will either find
another sounding board or internalized his emotions. Both will rob the child
and the parents alike of the joy of Taekwondo. The parent must make an effort to
be available when the child returns from practice (competition) and take a
genuine interest in the affairs of the day. Knowing what the child is
practicing and some of the basic terminology helps to make communication easier
and more accurate.
INSTRUCTOR’S ROLE:
Being a parent has never been easy and in most instances
parents enroll their children without ever having experienced Taekwondo first
hand. The Instructor should use newsletters, personal conferences and phone
calls to keep the parents informed, involved and advised on the child’s
Taekwondo progress. During the decision process for tournaments, promotions,
demonstrations etc. the instructor should attempt to use the parents as source
rather than a hindrance. Always consider the parent, after all they are the
best qualified in knowing the needs of the child. |
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