The Grown-Ups in Their Corner

 

As parents, we spend a lot of time thinking about who our children spend their time with. Their friends matter, of course, but so do the grown-ups they meet along the way.

Teachers, coaches, dance teachers, music instructors, and other mentors can become an important part of a child’s world. They’re another person cheering them on, encouraging them through challenges, and sometimes seeing something special in them before they see it themselves.

That’s one of the wonderful things about extracurricular activities. Yes, children are learning to dance, play soccer, paint, or make music, but they’re also building relationships with adults outside their family and school.

A great teacher does more than teach a skill. They notice when a child is having a tough day. They celebrate effort, not just achievement. They encourage children to try again when something is difficult and remind them that mistakes are part of learning.

For parents, it’s worth thinking about this when choosing activities. We often ask, “What will my child learn?” But we should also be asking, “Who will be teaching them?” Does this person make my child feel seen? Do they model kindness and respect? Are they helping my child grow as a person as well as in their activity?

In dance, relationships between teachers and students can grow over many years. A teacher who once held a preschooler’s hand as they nervously entered their first class may one day be cheering that same dancer through their teenage years.

Our kids can never have too many good people in their corner.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful time to appreciate the teachers, coaches, and mentors helping our children become confident, resilient, kind humans.