By Master Milad
The short answer
Yes, and watch quietly. Kids love knowing you’re there. What throws them is coaching from the sidelines. Watch, smile, and save the feedback for one good question in the car. New to Endurance? Your first class is free. Book it
Parents ask this a lot, usually after they catch their kid looking over at them mid-drill. Here’s how to watch in a way that helps.
At the start: stay close
At Taekwondo 101 you’re with them for the whole class. That’s on purpose. A new kid in a new room needs to know where you are.
Once they’re settled: step back
After a few weeks, most kids do better when you’re a bit further away. Watch from the side, read a book, check in now and then. They’ll still know you’re there.
What not to do
- Call out corrections. Kids can’t listen to two coaches at once, and yours will win.
- Wave every time they look over. They’ll keep looking.
- Talk them through it on the way to the mat. A quick “have fun” is enough.
Why kids look for you
Every kid checks the sidelines. It’s not a problem. They want to know you saw the kick. A nod and a thumbs up does more than a full play-by-play.
What you’ll see if you watch long enough
The kid who wouldn’t let go of your leg is lining up first. The kid who couldn’t stand still is waiting their turn. You’ll only notice if you’re there.
Then, in the car, ask what the best part was.
About the author. Master Milad Bahrami opened Endurance in Port Moody in 2014, and today it’s three schools: Port Moody, Burnaby and Port Coquitlam. Read his story
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