There are quite a few sections where you can record your child. However, many parents are interested in taekwondo for children. This martial art is particularly safe and low injuries. Fighters during sparring wear special equipment that protects them from blows. In addition, this martial art is included in the program of the Olympics, and annually in the Russian Federation there are many competitions for different age categories.
Young athletes, of course, also participate in them. Therefore, the parent, giving his child to taekwondo school, you must remember that his son or daughter will also go to competitions and demonstrate skills. Of course, such trips will be remembered by the kid, but if he had not previously played in tournaments, then it will be difficult for him from a psychological point of view. Therefore, the main task of adults is to support the child and his moral preparation for the upcoming competition.
What emotions do young athletes experience?
In some ways, even daily training is a match. Children hold fights with their peers, coaches. At these moments, they also feel arousal and excitement. However, they do not manifest themselves particularly expressively, since these battles take place, albeit seriously, but rather in a playful manner. The young taekwondo player understands that in front of him is his acquaintance or even a friend, that he will not strike at full strength and for the most part nothing depends on the result of this confrontation.
Another thing is real taekwondo competitions for children 9-12 years old. There, the child experiences emotions that previously he knew only indirectly. He feels the true nature of the tournament. He manifests not only excitement, but also jitters, and, accordingly, fear of the tatami, the public, judges, coaches and even his own team. What is needed for taekwondo competitions for children?
Before the trip, anxiety will build up, which can manifest itself in different ways. In part, it is removed in the classroom, at school, when communicating with friends. Therefore, in the daytime, the child may have a calm state, but before going to bed, feelings may flood.
What should parents do?
In many respects, the results of the performance will depend on the father and mother. They can properly set up their baby, make him feel as comfortable as possible. First of all, they should not interfere with the child. I.e:
- If adults themselves were engaged and performed, then do not impose their own experience on them. Let the child understand and learn everything. This is his life experience,
- In no case should you dispute in absentia with a coach. That is, it is not necessary to tell the daughter or son that he was taught incorrectly, that the parent knows best, etc. It’s important that the instructor’s authority is unshakable, as this may subsequently affect attitudes towards training,
- Do not try to reassure, because the "sports" fear is different from the usual. It’s better to say that the excitement before the competition is good and natural, because all people go through it when they go out in public and demonstrate their abilities,
- Comparisons with other children should be avoided. That is, to say something like: “But Ivan has done well for you, he’s cool fighting and generally moving fast!” In this case, you should not praise your own child. Evaluation should be objective, and the trainer should be the critic
- You need to convince the child that if he loses when he speaks at a taekwondo tournament for children, then nothing bad will happen. This is also an experience, he will draw his conclusions and next time will show himself even better. It is important that he does not think that he ruined everything and in general the worst of all.
Memo to parents
Adults should remember that competition is important for young athletes, but they are not ready to directly give their lives for victory. This is inherent to professionals who are trying to win medals across the country or even the continent. For a child, this is primarily a holiday. Therefore, you need to relate to it as well. Excessive anxiety is superfluous.
After the end of the WTF Taekwondo Tournament, the young taekwondo player will definitely talk a lot and emotionally about what he went through. He will want to ask how he looked, how adults evaluate his own performance, etc. The main task here is not to interfere or interrupt. Let the child splash out these emotions, communicate on this subject as much as he needs. It is better, on the contrary, to maintain a conversation and show your admiration.
Well, and finally, one extremely important point should be noted! Mom and dad must be in contact with their baby. That is, just bringing to the stadium and sitting on the podium is not enough. It is necessary to watch the performance and actively participate. The worst mistake is to constantly be distracted (by phone, talking to each other, etc.).
If a child looks at the podium and sees that they are not being followed, that he is not interested in his own parents, then this will be a terrible disappointment for him. Therefore, you should go to the toilet / buy water / call for work in advance, and then all the attention to the tournament. Children perform not so much for themselves as for dad and mom. It is important for him to show himself from the best side, and this must be appreciated.
