The Piano Theory of Life

Raising kids is tougher than I thought it would be. I knew they would have a will of their own, but that surely wouldn't be that big a deal...right?

I've come to realize that it's all about being alert for teachable moments and jumping on them like a tick on a dog. Those teachable moments will come along periodically, but why not be proactive and create teachable moments (ie furious battles of willpower) every single day?

The best way that I've discovered to guarantee such a test is the daily piano practice. In just one hour per day, your child can experience every known human emotion (and so can you).

First, your child will have to do something they don't particularly want to do, but will benefit them in the long run! Then there is the frustration that occurs when things don't go according to plan (getting the fingering wrong). Oh, by the way, there is no instant gratification during piano practice---it just takes a long time to get it right--a long, long time! Sometimes a child can remain grumpy during the entire practice. This occasionally requires parental discipline to overcome--man, I hate that. They also learn that sometimes they have to humble themselves and ask others for help. Don't forget the stress of recitals and concerts...for the child and the parent! Oh, and how can a child watch all of Ratatouille and not move, but have to go potty umpteen times during a one hour piano practice!?

There are joys too! When the dynamics, phrasing and accurate fingering come together and the little face lights up because she got it right!

Come to think of it, I think piano lessons are harder on the parent than the child. So why do we do it? It's a training ground for the struggles and joys of life...for the kids and for me!

Well, here we go: "Girls, it's time to practice"!