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12 Secrets of Black Sash Parenting
MENUSecret #1: Black Sash Parents never interact with their children during class. They realize that watching a martial arts class is just like observing their child in regular school, and the instructor is the only person in charge. Interrupting or interacting with their child would be disrespectful to the instructor and distracting to other students. Please refrain from all interaction unless asked by the instructor to do so.
Secret #2: Black Sash Parents always bring something quiet to do during their child's class: They know that talking is disruptive to the class and to other parents who are watching, reading or working quietly. If Black Sash Parents want to socialize, they go outside until the class period is over.
Secret #3: Black Sash Parents always keep their future Black Sashes (ages 0 and up) under control and quiet during older sibling's classes. Crying, screaming or rowdy children can be a major distraction to class. Black Sash Parents know this and always take overly enthusiastic little ones outside .
Secret #4: Black Sash Parents realize that Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu is not a day care center, so they drop off and pick up their children promptly. They realize that the school's staff cannot be responsible for their children left unattended before and after classes. If a child must unavoidably be left for extra time, Black Sash Parents always alert staff and will make sure that their child knows where to sit quietly and wait. Also, Black Sash Parents must accompany their child/children when entering the school for their class - Black Sash Parents do not drop off their child/children in the parking lot and have to child/children walk unattended.
Secret #5: Black Sash Parents know and faithfully practice all school rules and policies. They follow them and enforce these rules with their children. When mom and dad follow the school rules and regulations, then their child is more likely to follow their example. This starts at the front door, where everyone is to bow and greet the instructors when entering and leaving the school.
Secret #6: Black Sash Parents pay attention to what their child is learning in class and reinforce their positive behavior at home. They realize that as parents, they are an important part of the School's team, and help their children to improve by working with the instructors and staying informed.
Secret #7: Black Sash Parents know that their child is an individual who will progress at their own rate. They never compare a child to their sibling or other students. They encourage and support each child's progress and help them to set and achieve realistic goals.
Secret #8: Black Sash Parents remember why their child started martial arts in the first place, not to just memorize forms, but to improve themselves physically and mentally. So, Black Sash Parents are never harsh or pushy with instructors about how fast their child is learning. Black Sash Parents know that memorizing is not necessary or important. They take a moment to see how their child is improving as a whole person, and realize that rank advancement is just a part of the big picture.
Secret #9: Black Sash Parents know that if they have a problem or concern about their child's training, progress, or about the school, they should go directly to the instructor and not other parents. Black Sash Parents never start or spread gossip. In fact, they do their best to stamp it out.
Secret #10: Black Sash Parents are encouraging to all of the students during class, graduations and demonstrations. They know that through their example, their children will also encourage and support everyone in the martial arts academy.
Secret #11: Black Sash Parents always make sure that they and their children show extra respect and courtesy when attending seminars or other martial arts functions: They especially avoid confrontations with guests and other parents. Showing respect and courtesy is a great way to teach their children how to be good sports, whether they win or lose.
Secret #12: Black Sash Parents will always help their children set goals both in and out of martial arts. Black Sash Parents know that goal setting will help their children develop the perseverance and self-disciple to stick to commitments and achieve great personal success.