Punishing role models for bad grades and other silly ideas

This is one of my favorite topics to challenge parents on.  Now before you go and leave a bunch of comments about the importance of education and such, I ask that you open your mind for one minute.  I agree that good grades are important.  I would also challenge you and say that pulling your child out of activities that support positive and life changing improvement is not a punishment, but a failure to see the long game.  Martial arts and the lifetime benefits of a role model is much more valuable to the success of your child in life than any bad grade your child will ever get.  Here's why and see if you don't agree.   Believe or not by the time your child is a teenager you are no longer the primary influence in their lives (it's their friends, media and their social life).  I agree that you have to turn in your assignments, behave in class and participate in classroom discussions, those are a given.  Grades on the other hand are individual and some students just can't grasp the concept taught at that time.  Some students excel, some students get by and others are left behind.  When it all shakes out in the wash, some people go to college and some work for others and a few start their own business.  Which one is right and which one is wrong has nothing do with you as a parent anymore.  Instead we are only their for guidance and support.  Hopefully you kept your child surrounded by and involved in activities that prepare your child for life.  Positive role models in your child's life will outlast your child's days in high school. The challenges your child will face in life will take a different skill set than they were taught in a classroom.  A positive role model is a priceless advantage you can give to someone.  Times will get tough and when they need to remember a life lesson to support them on how to get through it.  Parents you will be glad that they had someone positive to look up to when this time comes.  So the next time your child's report card looks a little dire remember that it may not be the best idea to remove them from a positive environment as a form of punishment.