| It is very important to remember that parents | | | | have learned every single week. Show your |
| are also martial arts coaches. When children first | | | | encouragement by offering positive feedback, and |
| start their training in the martial arts, especially in | | | | compliment them in the areas where you can see |
| the case of very young children, we often find | | | | improvement. In fact, if you use this approach in |
| that they have not yet developed the self | | | | just about everything your child does, whether it |
| discipline to practice at home on a regular basis. | | | | be homework or chores, you will soon notice the |
| Practicing at home greatly enhances performance | | | | difference. If children believe that they are getting |
| at the school and it should be encouraged. We | | | | better it boosts their self-confidence, which in turn |
| suggest that you talk with your child and agree | | | | encourages them to try even harder. When |
| on a daily practice time. It can be as little as ten | | | | children know that they will receive recognition |
| minutes per day. Pick a category each day and | | | | and praise, they will want to do well because it |
| work on it for a solid, focused ten minutes. ( | | | | makes them feel good. Children will rise to the |
| form, one steps, etc.) Developing the habit of | | | | level of your expectations, but only if they are |
| setting a goal ( next belt) and working for it on a | | | | encouraged and praised along the way. |
| regular basis will give your child life skills that go | | | | Our "Intent to Promote" letters are an excellent |
| far beyond punching and kicking. | | | | opportunity for you to praise your child's |
| One of the easiest ways to help your child is by | | | | accomplishments. Use the comments section to |
| simply showing that you are interested in his or | | | | say something nice that your child will internalize. |
| her training and talents. Children love to show off | | | | Help your child to reach his or her personal best |
| what they have learned in class and we | | | | by being the martial arts coach at home. |
| encourage parents to ask their child what they | | | | |