For Parents: Getting the balance right

In order that your dancer(s) get the most enjoyment from their time dedicated to dancing it is imperative that you get the balance correct. These tips for parents are taken from the Child Protection Guidelines of Tennis but they can be applied to any activity. I hope you find them useful.

* Offer encouragement, especially when your children face hard times. Do not use punishment and withdrawal of love, affection and warmth to get your children to try harder or perform better.

* Ask questions such as, "How was the match(or feis)? How did you play(or dance)? Did you enjoy it?" which shows you care about your child rather than the result. Avoid asking, "Did you win?" after your child comes back from a match(or feis).

* Make your child feel valuable and reinforce her self-esteem, especially when he/she loses. Avoid criticising your child's results. Emphasise that, "Win or lose, I love you just the same." Do not get upset or treat your child differently when she/he loses.

* Stick to your parental role. Avoid trying to be your child's coach (i.e. becoming too involved in strategy, technique, etc).

* Recognize and be generous in applauding the performance and effort of your child's opponents. Do not ignore or criticise your child's opponents.