When your child reaches their motivational plateau, how you respond can make or break their passion for learning. As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to ensure they’re practicing enough when they just don’t want to. After all these years, I’ve discovered three tips that help your child stay focused and re-spark their love for music. PARENTS MUST BE PRESENT. If you want your kids to be present, you must also be present! For children ages 5–12, having their parents present at music lessons and practice is crucial. Consider how you would be there for them at the baseball field or gymnastic training. You should be at the school, too! You can witness their achievements, boost their confidence, and keep them focused. When it comes to practicing at home, you should be present there, too. The last thing you want to say is, “Go to your room and practice.” Doesn’t that sound like a punishment? Nobody likes that! Instead, be there to remind them how well they’re doing. USE OUTCOME-BASED GOALS, NOT TIME-BASED. When a parent tells their child to go practice for 30 minutes, I can assure you they will just go through the motions to fill up the time. Ultimately, they didn’t make any real progress! Don’t focus on the clock; instead, use a practice notebook from their teacher that outlines their goals. You can sit with them and help them work toward their next goal before the practice ends. While the parent decides when practice starts, the child can decide when they have reached their goal and finished practice. I’ve seen even 5-year-olds understand and implement this concept! BE REALISTIC, NOT RIGID. It’s only natural for us parents to think, “Well, I paid for this, so you’re going to stick with this!” Yet, this can put a sense of guilt on your child, and suddenly, their emotions with practicing music can quickly become negative. As parents, we need to be realistic! If a child needs a day off, let them have it! Give them the space they need to recharge. Never set unrealistic expectations on your children that you couldn’t reach yourself. If you can follow these three tips, your kids will flourish. If a year or two passes and this recipe isn’t successful, then perhaps your child isn’t genuinely interested in music. Until then, be present and do what you can to maintain their love for learning! How to Be the Supportive Parent Your Child Needs 3 TIPS TO IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S PASSION FOR MUSIC
Charlie M. Selah M. Alta D. Autumn B. Iden V. Heleana V. Ivan X.
Owen G. Huxley A. Rithvik J. Seora K. Chloe F. Shray B. Aditi D. Owen C. Olivia C. Camille P.
Lainy Z. Noah Z. Ella K.
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Mr. Barrett: SOLD OUT Mrs. Bunish: SOLD OUT Ms. Ferbuyt: SOLD OUT Ms. Hsu: 2 SPOTS LEFT Mrs. Lehner: SOLD OUT Mr. Martin: 2 SPOTS LEFT
Mrs. Morris: SOLD OUT Mr. Nehring: SOLD OUT Mr. Nelson: SOLD OUT Mrs. Nemirova:
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–Eric Nehring
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