Being a successful parent-coach at Empire Dojo involves mastering the delicate balance between two essential characteristics: allowing their child to make mistakes and learn from them, and providing guidance when appropriate.
- Allowing their child to make mistakes and learn from them:
A successful parent-coach understands that making mistakes is a crucial part of the learning process. They recognize that children need the opportunity to explore, experiment, and sometimes fail in order to grow and develop their skills. By allowing their child to make mistakes, they foster resilience and a growth mindset. This approach teaches the child that it’s okay to stumble and fail as long as they learn from their experiences and keep striving to improve. The parent-coach avoids becoming overly critical or protective and trusts the Sensei’s expertise in providing constructive feedback during class.
- Giving guidance when it’s appropriate:
A successful parent-coach also knows when and how to offer guidance. Instead of interfering during the class, they observe patiently from the sidelines and wait for the appropriate moment to discuss their child’s performance or attitude. After class, during the ride home, or while at home, they engage in constructive discussions about the training session. This allows the child to reflect on their own performance and encourages open communication between the parent-coach and their child. Offering guidance in a supportive and non-intrusive manner shows that the parent-coach is interested in their child’s progress without disrupting the flow of the Sensei’s teachings.
Furthermore, a successful parent-coach understands that interrupting or hijacking the Sensei’s class by trying to “coach” their child from the side of the mat is counterproductive. Such behavior not only undermines the authority and expertise of the Sensei but also disrupts the learning environment for all the other students in the class. It can create confusion and distractions, affecting the overall quality of the training session. This approach is not beneficial to the child because it hinders their ability to focus, learn from the Sensei, and develop discipline and respect for the martial arts training process.
In conclusion, being a successful parent-coach at Empire Dojo requires striking the right balance between letting their child make mistakes and learn from them, while providing appropriate guidance at the right time and place. It involves respecting the Sensei’s authority during classes and waiting for appropriate moments to discuss their child’s progress privately. By following this approach, the parent-coach can positively support their child’s martial arts journey while also contributing to a harmonious and focused learning environment for all students.