The vocal parent

[GranFire]

I am not thinking about the parent who actively interferes with the class in progress to lecture the kid.

I am more thinking about an individual that seldom passes a chance to flap the gums and spread misinformation to a great extend, preferably to the parents of the lower ranks that are still new to the game.

Some of it is laughable (like the time I was told my son was wearing his belt upside down - when I new for a fact that the red/black belt came without specific instructions - it has since been replace with a black belt with a white stripe down the center) but when parent are quoted a price for gear that is twice as much as it actually costs, or they are pointed into the direction of the wrong style (yep, the org is a bit micro-organisational) or how we as instructors don't teach them what they need to do to advance - that's where it gets personal, because we work hard to teach our students and have them as perfect as their ability allows when it comes to forms and stuff.


The individual has two kids that started out in another school (but the same program) and the suspicion is that the oldest is to open a school after graduation, but the kid is not all into it and has other interests.

We do like the kids, they are nice and an asset, the parent is just an ass - pardon the pun. How can you keep somebody like that from sabotaging your place when in reality there are no alternatives and reasons to be this despicable?!

[bmcgonag]

Time for a serious sit down with this parent. Also, I tend to ask parents to drop their kids off, go do some shopping, take a nap, or anything else. Mostly for the younger kids, because, the kids tend to look to mom and dad to see if they are watching, and then want to show off rather than doing what they should. It's a simple distraction issue.

It isn't wrong or bad to ask a parent to back off, or take off, but figure out how to be tactful about it.

Also, as new students join, make sure to include the parents from the beginning. If they feel they have the correct info from you, or the head instructor to start with, they will know enough to ignore loud-mouths anyway.

I'd be interested to know how it turns out,

Brian

[GranFire]

The parent in question has had the serious sit down. The problems have eased up a little, but also shifted into the parking lot.

Since I am much younger than the person in question (I am 38 though) and not the owner/head instructor, I see my influence as minimal. Of course, I do advise new parents to the best of my ability, but I can only do so when I know of the need, but it had never occurred to me to head it off at the pass (parking lot!)

[bmcgonag]

The parent in question has had the serious sit down. The problems have eased up a little, but also shifted into the parking lot.

Since I am much younger than the person in question (I am 38 though) and not the owner/head instructor, I see my influence as minimal. Of course, I do advise new parents to the best of my ability, but I can only do so when I know of the need, but it had never occurred to me to head it off at the pass (parking lot!)

Sounds like you are on the right track. As a wise man once said, "All you can do, is all you can do. To try and do more will only reduce your efforts from 'all'".
-no idea...but he's smart!

Brian

[GranFire]

Pain it the butt is more like it!

[dodgeduckdodge]

I am not thinking about the parent who actively interferes with the class in progress to lecture the kid.

I am more thinking about an individual that seldom passes a chance to flap the gums and spread misinformation to a great extend, preferably to the parents of the lower ranks that are still new to the game.

Some of it is laughable (like the time I was told my son was wearing his belt upside down - when I new for a fact that the red/black belt came without specific instructions - it has since been replace with a black belt with a white stripe down the center) but when parent are quoted a price for gear that is twice as much as it actually costs, or they are pointed into the direction of the wrong style (yep, the org is a bit micro-organisational) or how we as instructors don't teach them what they need to do to advance - that's where it gets personal, because we work hard to teach our students and have them as perfect as their ability allows when it comes to forms and stuff.


The individual has two kids that started out in another school (but the same program) and the suspicion is that the oldest is to open a school after graduation, but the kid is not all into it and has other interests.

We do like the kids, they are nice and an asset, the parent is just an ass - pardon the pun. How can you keep somebody like that from sabotaging your place when in reality there are no alternatives and reasons to be this despicable?!

I would expel that family from the school. They are a cancer.

Alcohol

[GranFire]

I would expel that family from the school. They are a cancer.

Alcohol

The girls an asset and very nice. Dad has kept his distance...so far, so good.