Why Kids Won't Practice - Part 1

This is the start of a 4 part series I'll be doing based off an article in the September 2014 Issue of the Suzuki Association of the Americas journal entitled, "Help! My Child Won't Practice: Twenty-two Reasons Why Your Child Isn't Practicing."

Just because your child doesn't want to practice, doesn't mean they don't want to play! Follow this series to solve any practice problems that may be happening at home.

#1 - Too Many Activities
Over scheduling is a common topic now a days. We all want to do so much, try different things and give our children well rounded experiences. However, children need time to just be children! Try choosing only 1 or 2 programs that you will commit to, and spend weekends or free evenings trying other non-committal activities (playing at a soccer field, taking an art class at Michael's, seeing a woodwind trio at the University, travelling to a museum for the day, etc). It is your job, not your child's job, to decide what your child will be involved in. It's okay to say no to other activities! Children will learn more when they stick with one activity and struggle through it to learn the skill then to float from activity to activity. No skills can develop without time and persistence. Don't let your children float; commitment is key to developing strong character traits.

#2 - Lack of Motivation
Ask teacher for motivation tips, but it is up to you to implement these tips and keep the motivation going. Listening to the CD and attending recitals and concerts, observing other lessons and coming to group class regularly are all basic motivators. 

• Try different practice charts or ways to keep track of practice and/or other chores at home. 
• Print off new charts or games to play review pieces or complete 100 charts for working pieces. 
• Develop a goal system where children work toward a month of everyday practice and they get an ice cream treat or a trip to the movies or something you will all enjoy. 
• Play for friends and family. 
• Play review pieces all piano or all forte, play with an upside down bow, play on one foot, play with the strongest bent thumb or the tallest violin for one song. Or do 10 in a row! 

Encourage, try something new, and encourage some more. Remember, motivation comes in waves as it will in every aspect of our lives at any age we are! Ride these waves with your children and do not get discouraged. It's just the way of life!

#3 - Out of Tune Instrument
Children know when their violin does not sound right and they will not want to play it. This is very frustrating when trying to practice. Invest in a chromatic tuner and learn with teachers help how to tune it yourself, come to group and lessons every week to get violin tuned or call teacher to arrange a time to tune the violin if needed.

#4 - No Rosin on the Bow
Once again, children know when their violin does not sound right. Try rosining the bow once per week. Although allow your child the independence of rosining their own bow, give it a good scrub yourself as sometimes children are too light with the rosin. If white dust starts flying there is too much rosin. Don't put anymore on for a few days. If the bow is sliding around and not gripping the strings, put some rosin on right away.

#5 - Your child doesn't know what to practice
Young children cannot be expected to know what to practice. That's why parents are encouraged to take notes and refer to the practice chart. Ask questions before the lesson ends. Try discussing together in the car ride after lesson what teacher assigned for the week. If something isn't clear when you get home, don't waste a week being unclear! Contact teacher and ask to clarify.