On line, I found a question answer page for parents.  Last month's question is

What is my role as a Parent? Some Parents' answers were

*This page has NOT been edited

Do support your child in their discipline.
Do take an active role in their studio.
Do fundraisers.
Do encourage and keep a positive attitude.
Do let him/her have fun.
Do pay his/her tuition on time.

Don't force a child to continue to dance when she wishes to quit.
Don't start primping him/her for ABC when he/she is 3.
Don't talk bad about her classmates, teachers, or studio.
Don't expect the impossible from her teachers/studio

Do teach your child to respect his/her teacher and other classmates by:

*being on time and ready for class
*not talking during class
*calling the teacher if he/she will miss a class

Do talk to your childs teacher/director to find out how you can help
Do ask questions - there are no stupid questions
Do develop a rapport with the teacher and other parents at the studio
Do help out/volunteer if the studio needs help (recitals/shows/fundraising)
Do be supportive of your child
Do let the teacher know if any concerns arise
Do encourage your child to get involved in the studio and help out when needed

Don't expect the studio to be a babysitting service (teach your child to entertain her/himself without disrupting classes if you have to pick her/him up late)
Don't forget that dance should be fun for you as well as your child!

Do be there for their performances
Do Except responsibility when "it's your child acting up in class"
Do seek out the best training you can
Do help them understand they can't do it all
Do study with them and learn

Don't embarrass them in front of their peers
Don't re-live your childhood through them
Don't let them forget they have someone to talk too
Don't play kiddy politics

Make sure you have open communication with them, reason out problems and offer constructive options. Be their #1 fan.

Last modified: 01/02/09