The value of the fine arts is huge for every child. And most of the time, there is a fine art that your child will enjoy (except for those fussy days where they do not enjoy anything). Some of the values are universal, so it does not matter which one your child is interested in or even if they later switch to another. But this BLOG post is not about the values of the arts.
This post is about what we as parents should consider when signing our children up for classes, school electives and activities. The questions we should ask. The plans we should make. The celebrations for successful moments. All of this is important and the hope is that parents will find value in this information for themselves.
Most children are signed up for classes or activities each season or year because it is what "everyone is doing". This is especially so for participation in short term activities such as community sports leagues, summer camps, etc. Mindlessly, parents line up with their child to register, because the neighbor down the street mentioned their child was going to participate in the activity, without even a thought about safety, child's interest, or even long term value from what the child will experience or learn from participation.
Then the parent sits in the stands, or worse, posts on Facebook, their rage at the volunteer coaches, umpires, other teams, camp attendants or parents. They are unhappy because they were already "too busy for this" and takes it out on the child when the child does not perform well through their participation level, or lack of. It is easy to brow beat a child who is seat belted in the back seat.
Long term classes, such as dance, music, art, gymnastics is also a breeding ground for displeasure for the parent when the child is not progressing as quickly as the young performers they see on television each week. This parent is displeased when their child is not able to perform a giant in gymnastics or a pirouette in ballet after completing a six week introductory class. After all, they do it on television reality shows! (Here is where knowing parents and teachers alike, smile.)
With any class or activity, parents are encouraged to take the time to fully research the situation and spend time talking to their children to find out if there really is an interest on the child's part. Be sure to enter into the new class or activity with as much information as possible. Ask a lot of questions at registration time. And verify one more time with you child, after they have heard all the details about participating in the class or activity. Also cover with your child about the commitment level expected.
Some questions you may want to ask are:
1. What are the specific details about the class or activity?
2. What are any safety concerns for my child?
3. Are the adults in charge volunteers or employees? What is their training level?
4. How do you prepare the coaches/ teachers to conduct the class or activity for my child?
5. Are the coaches or teachers background checked? Drug tested?
6. What is the learning objective for this class or activity?
7. What is the long term value for my child in participating in this class or activity?
8. Are there progression levels that are written out so I can see the expectations to reach the next level? Where can I find that information?
9. How will I know if my child makes the check offs for the levels or what they need to work on to continue progressing in the classes or activities?
10. If I have a question or concern, who do I speak with?
11. Can my child really learn something to take with them in a 6-8 week class or activity?
12. What if my child does not enjoy this?
Always remember that when signing your child up for classes or activities that you are taking on a family commitment. A commitment to follow through to the end of the session, class or activity. So do be careful when selecting programs or organizations. Find ones that are committed to your child's success.
And always use the resources that are available to use to keep your child interested. Great programs and organizations have fantastic ways of keeping your child entertained and engaged for the long haul. Also remember that there will be days or even weeks your child will resist going to,something they originally wanted to do. Be patient with them but be committed to helping them see it through. They will later thank you for it........... Just remember that to be truly good at something, it takes time, hard word and commitment. An activity or class that has true long term values for your child needs to be an education. Commit to finding the best for your child.
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