Parental Responsibility Confusion

Over the years I've met every type of parent, ones that frankly couldn't care less, those who interfere far too much, the mothering sort, the absent figures, all strongly believe they are doing the absolute best for their loved ones, in most cases they aren't doing a bad job after all the kids are alive, social services aren't involved and by throwing money at each new venture ensures the kids are happy in their hobby - right? - Wrong!

Parents are like dog owners in the fact they can't and won't be told that they are responsible for their kids actions, their likes or dislikes. 

Whatever the reason a child finds a new hobby the chances of them sticking at it depend on a couple of factors, the main by far is the quality of support given by the parents. Why do kids like the same football team as their parents? Its because football is a common discussion and debating point in most households, kids love to have something in common with a parent, they can debate with an adult on a mutual hobby and often the child is rewarded with a uniform to wear, trips to see the team, enrolment into the local club and so the cycle continues.

If the chosen hobby is not football the same support is required, in Muay Thai don't presume that you can drop them off, pay your fees, and throw money at the club for every event going and expect things to be great - you as parents have a responsibility to continually speak to your children about their hobby and more importantly keep the club informed as regular feedback, watch classes, come on social events with your child, encourage them with gradings and fights.

A common misconception is that the child loses Interest in their hobby the reality is far from it, its parents that lose interest - they disengage with the club, hobby and in turn the child. They don't watch, they don't ask questions, they become completely oblivious to whats going on and what the children are doing. This is also true when parents shared the same hobby as the child and then stopped because of injury, work or family commitments. 

Don't think that I'm saying that kids don't have their off days they do. They will have the same negative thoughts about going football training on a cold winters night as we do. If you let them dictate because you are a parent that "won't force them to do something that they don't like" you are nurturing a child that will look for reasons to escape their hobby and because you as parents won't be told that your doing anything wrong you will look to point fingers as to the reasons your child quit their hobby - look no further than yourself.

Little Johnny is not being bullied, is not getting bored, not losing interest and not getting hurt, they are progressing, they are enjoying themselves and frankly you would see if you could be bothered to come and watch. If you could be bothered to ask their instructor.

If we as parents keep the communication going with the club, keep the praise and attention directed towards the kids, keep the conversation and debates going at home and take an active interest in the hobby yourself your child will engage in their chosen hobby.