Following are guidelines for how Dynamic Winterguard and Chinook Winds parents/Guardians can contribute to an Instructor-Guardian Partnership that benefits our members.
Recognize the Instructors’ Commitment.
Your child’s instructors have made a commitment that involves many hours of preparation beyond the time they spend at rehearsals and performances. Please respect their commitment and imagine yourself in their place before approaching them to discuss any issues you may perceive.
Make Early, Positive Contact with the Instructors.
Contact the instructors and introduce yourself, offer any assistance you may provide. Establishing a positive relationship with the instructors helps you proactively shape a positive experience for your child and will lay the foundation for respectful, productive conversations with coaches should a conflict arise later.
Fill the Instructors’ Emotional Tank.
Too often, instructors hear only from parents who have complaints. Filling the instructors’ emotional tanks with specific, truthful praise positively reinforces them to continue doing the things you see as benefiting the members.
Don’t Put the Member in the Middle.
You wouldn’t complain to your children about how poorly their math teacher explains fractions. Don’t share your disapproval of an instructor with your child. Doing so may force the child to take sides, and not necessarily your side! If your child has an issue with the instructor and can maturely articulate it, encourage your child to approach the instructor and at the very least learn some life lessons in self-advocacy with an authority figure. Otherwise, if you disapprove of how the instructor handles a situation, seek a private meeting to discuss the matter.
Let Instructors Instruct.
It can confuse members to hear from someone other than the instructor yelling out instructions. Also, your instructions may counter the instructors’ strategy and tactics, undermining team performance.
Contribute to a Positive Environment.
Fill all the members’ emotional tanks when you see them doing something well. Honor the activity as a spectator, respecting the rules, opponents, judges and teammates, and encourage others around you to honor the organization and activity.
*Adapted from positivecoach.org