The 12 Secrets of Black Belt Parents

12 simple secrets to help your child get the most out of their instruction.

#1: Black Belt 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 all of the students. Please refrain from all interaction unless asked by the instructor to do so.

#2: Black Belt 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 reading or working quietly. If Black Belt Parents want to socialize, they go outside until the class period is over. Parents and guests watch and wait in the seating area only. Black Belt Parents do not stand or wait by the door, front counter or hallways.

#3: Black Belt Parents always keep their future black belts and tiny tigers-to-be (ages 0 and up), under control and quiet during older siblings class. Crying, screaming, or rowdy children can be a major distraction to class, Black Belt Parents know this and always take overly enthusiastic little ones outside.

#4: Black Belt Parents realize that the Black Belt Academy is not a daycare center, so they drop off and pick up their children promptly. They realize that the staff cannot be responsible for their children left unattended before and after classes. If a child MUST unavoidably be left for extra time, Black Belt Parents always alert the staff and make sure that their child knows where to sit quietly & wait.

#5: Black Belt Parents know and faithfully practice all school rules and policies. They follow and enforce these rules with their children. When mom and dad follow the school rules and regulation, then their child is more likely to follow their example. This starts at the front door, where everyone is to bow when entering and leaving.

#6: Black Belt Parents pay attention to what their children are learning in class and reinforce their positive behavior at home. They realize that as parents, they are an important part of the academy's team, and help their children to improve by working with the instructors and staying informed.

#7: Black Belt 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.

#8: Black Belt Parents remember why their child joined in the first place, not to just memorize forms, but to improve themselves as people. Black Belt Parents are never harsh or pushy with instructors about how fast their child is learning. Black Belt Parents know that memorizing is not necessary or important. They take a moment to see how their child is improving as a whole person, realizing that rank graduation is just a part of the big picture.

#9: Black Belt Parents know that if they have a concern about their child's training, progress, or about the school, they should go directly to the instructor, not to other parents. Black Belt Parents never start or participate in gossip. In fact, they do their best to stamp it out.

#10: Black Belt Parents are encouraging to all of the students in the school during class, graduations, and demonstrations. They know that through their example, their children will also learn to encourage and support everyone in the martial arts academy.

#11: Black Belt Parents always make sure that they and their children show respect and courtesy when attending tournaments and other martial arts functions. They especially avoid confrontations with judges and other parents. Showing respect and courtesy is a great way to teach their children to be good sports, whether they win or lose. If they do have a concern, they respectfully take it the tournament director or to an event staff member.

#12: Black Belt Parents will always help their children set goals both in and out of martial arts. Black Belt Parents set martial arts goals with their children. They also plan life goals. Black Belt Parents know that goal setting will help their children develop the perseverance and self-discipline needed to stick to commitments and achieve great personal success.