Is there a role for parents in the involvement of youth Taekwondo? Can engagement by parents provide a better experience and successful outcome as the child matures? As with any child’s activity, a parent should utilize their parenting philosophy to help sort the level of engagement they feel is appropriate with Taekwondo.

There is a direct time, emotional energy, and cost to supporting any successful endeavor. From the first enrollment, the child looks to parental support. Providing transportation, financial sponsorship and being an enthusiastic spectator assures the child the basics are met. Imagine the joy of the first Taekwondo class (or insecurity), dream of earning the first rank (or failing the test) or competing at a tournament (win or lose). What should be the parent’s reaction?

As you sort through your own family philosophy/lifestyle on raising your child, try to get a better understand of the history, general practice, and goals of Taekwondo. This will assist you in supporting the teaching environment. Searching online or asking the school for guidance (a more targeted approach), allows parents to move outside the basics by understanding the background. Some parents wish to better understand by becoming a direct student while others are better suited to the role as a cheerleader. Exercise caution by not living your life vicariously through your child. There will be days they want to conquer the world with Taekwondo and other days that they may try to hang up their belt. Try not to overreact.

Remember that Taekwondo is often practiced for physical fitness, self-defense, sports competition, self-discipline or personal enrichment. Work with your school and child to develop realistic expectations. Modern Taekwondo teaching methodology tends to be goal oriented and the “extrinsic” goals (such as belt promotions, tournament medals, special uniforms/patches, etc.) should mature into “intrinsic” goals (self-improvement, self-confidence, etc.) Help your child better appreciate both. Earning a black belt (a symbol universally recognized as an expert), often is viewed as an end, but may be better understood as a beginning. The skills acquired earning a black belt will allow the child to better enjoy their practice through targeted activities such as competitions, demonstrations, learning specialized skills, encouraging others, and translate to lifetime enjoyment.

It is often difficult to comprehend the complexity of practice in Taekwondo. Activities perceived as simple are challenging in execution. Some schools may recommend parents better understand by enrolling as a student like their child. In some situations or family’s dynamics, this may be a great match (i.e., family program with different ages or generations practicing together). However, some parents may blur the lines of compassionate support of their child by focusing on their own practice. Seek to find the balance between viewing and supporting, whether you decide to begin your own journey in Taekwondo (as a student, athlete, or manager). Enjoy your child’s experience with your understanding support.

Ultimately, you know your child best. Keep the lines of communication open with your school’s master/instructor and reinforce the ethical environment, physical skills, and mental resilience that Taekwondo seeks to develop. Enjoy yourself and have fun as your child learns and grows in Taekwondo.