My kids are both in martial arts, which is of course a business and we pay tuition. However, the instructors are wonderful and we feel so blessed that they are part of our kids' lives. Do we give a gift and if so, what?
And, I was never in any sort of organized sport, so I really have no clue...should I be meeting with their instructors to discuss their progress? Mostly I feel as though a) it is an individual journey, and when they are ready for the next belt their instructor will let them know and b) even if the instructor told me they should work on x, I couldn't help them any, since I don't know the moves. But I don't want to seem uninterested, either. Suggestions? Thanks.
I would say to have informal discussion with the instructors. Just introduce yourself and let them know that you appreciate the wonderful job they are doing w/ you children and ask if there is anything you should be doing to help them progress. A small token of appreciation would not be out of line but is also not required. Be sure to be there to watch events and help with whatever they need.
Handwritten thank you card, and a tin of handmade cookies.
Of course, not a generic "gee thanks" kind of thank you card, but how much you really appreciate everything they do and why, etc.
Heartfelt.
Things like this are meaningful to the receiver, and remembered.
My daughter takes martial arts. That is what I do.
Per your other question, about hings they can improve... well, then have your child practice at home. Regularly.
For us, we sometimes video our daughter during her class (its fine with the Sensei and other parents) SO THAT, we can play it back at home and then 'recognize' what things she can or may need to work on.
And during her class anyway, I am THERE waiting and I watch the lesson, too. Myself.
So I do know... what areas she needs to work on. And the routines or Kata movements.
Occasionally I ask the Sensei how my daughter is doing. And then they let me know.
But no, they don't have sit down meetings with the parents about it. It is not a teacher conference.
It is an individual journey... but it also takes dedication and wanting to self-improve. Whether that is personally and internally or per their actual movements.
At my daughter's Dojo... ALL of the instructors/Sensei, are Volunteers. They do not, get paid. But yes, it is a business for the owner of the Dojo. But it is for the kids. And a meaningful business.
I agree that maybe a little informal meeting would be good. I remember when my daughter was in gymnastics many years ago, semi-private lessons, the coach came to ME and asked what my goals were. Competition? Cheerleading? I actually was kinda dumb-founded because quite honestly my only goal was to get her out of the house and doing something! I think he was kind of relieved since the pressure was off and that he could just have fun yet she was learning and enjoying it.
*Which makes me think of her piano lessons a few years later. Again, she had expressed an interest and I signed her up for lessons in the after school program. Apparently she is quite gifted, or at least to her Russian-born, classically trained teacher. My my daughter wanted to learn and pay for fun and the teacher kept pushing her to play classical and putting her in competitions because she was doing so well. I did talk to the teacher and even bought Billy Joel and Disney song books. Her teacher would let her work on the 'fun' stuff for just a small amount of time before heading back into the other. Sadly, it burned her out in a short period of time, (just 3 years) and she won't even touch the piano now.
It is such a fine line. So communicating is so important.
I teach ballet and I have some moms ask me how they're doing. I do have an opportunity to speak to each mom as they pick up their child since my classes are small and they're in my home. If there is an opportunity, you can just ask. You can give a nice card with a gift card or home made cookies etc. Something small that will let them know how much they are appreciated is really nice. Good luck!
