Today I find myself questioning whether or not I am too strict with the students. With the kids, my main goal is to keep them safe at all times. I find that there are a few who need to be reminded over and over again to not do things like wrestle,push and jump on each other. I certainly understand that kids need the guidance, but I’m wondering if they like me as an instructor. When I have to be particularly strict with a child, I make it a point to give that student some quality recognition later in the class. I know that most people tend remember their last interaction with someone, and kids are not different. I like to leave them on a positive note whenever possible. I don’t want them coming to class and wonder if the “mean” instructor is going to get on their cases again.
I also feel like I was a little be harder on the younger Black Belts in the adult class. But I just realized something… they are younger and tend to fool around and chit-chat if I let them! That drags everyone down and that’s certainly not good. I am okay with them needing more discipline!