Every parent wants to know how their kiddo is doing in class... but not just their skills. How can we connect with them about their CHILD, not just their child's gymnastics or ninja?
There are SO MANY reasons for your coaches to connect with parents! We should be chatting with parents all the time, and not just about those handstands! So lets take our engagement mindset and apply it to connecting with feedback-hungry parents. That's how we build those authentic relationships that lead to trust and brand loyalty.
Talking to parents before and after class should be a job expectation, so lets make sure coaches (especially less experienced ones) have all the tools they need to hit the most positive and effective talking points! Give them the confidence they need to be successful!
talking points for your coaches!
SKILL PROGRESS: the bread and butter...
Everybody wants to know WHAT their child is learning! This is their value assessment of your service, what do I get for what I pay, so it's important to really connect with them about these crucial talking points FIRST: 1) your awesome program and curriculum, and 2) how kids progress through that curriculum.
What are the required skills? What badges do they earn on their Achieve Sleeve? How are they tested for the next level?
At their first point of contact, coaches should make sure parents know this basic information! That way short, simple chats can be had to check in about what the child is learning currently, and the parent already has an understanding of the program journey.
For tips on how to have brief, meaningful, productive conversations with parents about how kids are progressing in their skills, check out The 5 Minute Conversation. It gives a simple framework for teachers, new to communicating with parents, on how to "hit what's important" efficiently.
CHARACTER CONVERSATIONS: what parents really want to know...
This topic with parents is often MORE engaging than discussing skills! While parents always want to know how their kid is progressing, what they really want to know is what kind of social behavior or emotional growth they exhibit in class with their teachers and peers.
In premier gyms, coaches will find ways to recognize and relay these concepts to parents as often as possible! Keeping it simple is always safe... Sample topics:
Susie was so BRAVE in class today, and I want to tell you why...
David was so KIND in class today, and I want to tell you why...
Lacey was so CREATIVE in class today, and I want to you why...
This is absolute candy to moms and dads, eager to hear all about their kiddo. *The Achieve Sleeve recognizes these aspects in every class, making these conversations even easier!
UPCOMING EVENTS: fill their calendars...
Parents are constantly on the lookout for fun activities for their kids! Remember, kids need tons of stimulation, which can be exhausting to research for grown ups. By telling parents about a fun event your gym is hosting, that is ideal for their little one, you are DOING THEM A FAVOR!
So hand out flyers, then have this chat with the parent after class: "We're having this pop-up play date on Saturday, with lots of games and even a snack time. I think Caitlyn and her friends would LOVE IT!" You'll be surprised how many parents say thank you for giving them something to do this weekend!
WHAT'S NEXT: plant the seeds...
Every now and then, coaches should chat with parents about what's on the horizon. Talk about what their child will learn next class, next month, next year. By doing this, you're coaches are planting the seeds that students will be a part of the program for the long term. The more specific to your curriculum THE BETTER! Use terminology from your program and skills/drills founds inside your progressions. All of this is going to strengthen your brand awareness AND brand loyalty, developing your customer into a client that sticks around and sings your praises to others!
**WARNING: Don't over promise! DO NOT tell ANY child they will be the next Simone Biles... because no one will. Be practical in your conversations, and mindful of the students individual journey and skill ceiling.
For more tips on how to grow your awesome gym, check out more of our blogs, follow us on facebook @ninjamonkeygym, or click here contact me. Let's connect!
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