Parents Corner

Special Notes for Parents:

At Kuk Sool Won™ of Rohnert Park, we focus on positive reinforcement in our instruction. Sometimes you may not understand why the instructor is "letting your child get away with" certain behaviors. Please trust the instructors to handle this and do not intervene by coaching or reprimanding your child from the sidelines.

In positive reinforcement we generally ignore bad behavior (unless it is creating a dangerous situation), while praising and rewarding good behavior. We want your child's martial arts experience to be a positive one, and will do our best to make it one. So please remember:

The Ten Commandments for Parents of Martial Art Children

	Make sure your child knows that you love him/her and appreciate his/her efforts
	Try to be completely honest with your child about his/her athletic ability.
	Be helpful, but don't coach your child.
	Teach your child to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be "out there trying" to improve his skills and attitudes.
	Try not to relive your athletic life through your child.
	Don't compete with the instructor.
	Don't compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with those of other students.
	Get to know the instructor.
	Always remember, children tend to exaggerate.
	Make a point to understand courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but a means of doing something in spite of fear or discomforts.

And please, if you feel there is a problem, speak to one of the instructors immediately.

We want your child's experience to be a positive one.

My child sometimes 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 maybe the child is losing interest.

In many cases the child is not telling you they don't like class. Often he or she is demonstrating that he/she 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 a dollar now or ten dollars in a week, they probably will choose the dollar now 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 that you will no longer accept complaints about his commitment to martial arts, that if they have a specific complaint, they should speak to their instructor. By doing this you are eliminating any complaining that is just complaining; at the same time you give them 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 the classes, let's set up a time for you to speak to your instructor!" And when your child does come without complaining, let them know how much this pleases you.

Being firm and consistent will get good results...and as children mature, they will better able to understand delayed gratification!

Children Learn What They Live

Sometimes we adults don't seem to realize the power for good we possess for making this a better world through the treatment of kids. The world of the future will be the kind of world today's children make it. If more of today's children are treated with kindness and respect, so will the world of tomorrow be a better place in which to live.

	If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
	If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight.
	If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
	If a child lives with jealousy, she learns to feel guilty.
	If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
	If a child lives with praise, she learns to appreciate.
	If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
	If a child lives with fairness, she learns justice.

The Ten Commandments for Parents of Martial Art Children

Send mail to kuksoolwonrp@yahoo.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: May 11, 2010

Send mail to kuksoolwonrp@yahoo.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: May 11, 2010