Parental Involvement: The Number One Key to Success

I was visiting with some other Martial Arts instructors and school owners on the topic of student performance.  Specifically, what was the most important factor in the performance of young people in their Martial Arts training?  Not surprisingly, parental involvement quickly rose to the top of the list.  For young people, whether it's school , sports, or the martial arts, parental involvement remains the most consistent indicator of student success. 

 

So what does it mean to be an involved parent of a Martial Arts student?  First, it means paying attention to what they are doing.  You can’t do this while you’re reading a book, talking on the phone or doing work on your laptop.  The more your child knows you're interested and paying attention, the more he or she will work hard to please and impress you. 

 

Being involved also means providing encouragement.  There are a variety of skills and techniques your child will be taught.  It’s not always easy to learn them all.  But if you are supportive and encouraging, it will help give your child the confidence to overcome specific challenges they will face.

Another key ingredient in being involved is asking questions.  If you or your child doesn't understand a specific technique, or have a question about testing, billing, or any other issue, ask questions.  This demonstrates your interest to the child, but it also helps avoid confusion.  If there's a question, ask it.

Finally, involved parents help their children find opportunities to enhance their martial arts experience.  This can be anything from attending tournaments and specialized seminars, volunteering for special events at the school, to purchasing training equipment they can use at home.  Involved parents understand the important lessons their children can learn from their Martial Arts training, and consistently look for ways to improve that experience.

Parents, your role is crucial to your child's success - in school, in sports, and in the dogang.  Give them the best chance to succeed in life by being involved with what they are doing.  Besides, you never know when your involvement will lead you to decide to begin your own Martial Arts journey.