Why Kids Won't Practice - Part 2

#6 - Your child may feel overwhelmed
When students show up to lesson late and/or unprepared they may become overwhelmed. Always be honest with your teacher as to how the practice week went so they can accurately judge what needs to be assigned for next week and what needs to be communicated more clearly. Showing up late for lessons and classes creates a panic upon entering class and it can become exhausting to constantly hear teacher say they need to be on time. It's not nice for anyone to start lesson off with a lecture. Come to lesson prepared as a parent and student team to declare to teacher how the practice week went. Never blame one another. The Suzuki triangle (parent, student and teacher) is critical for providing a safe learning environment for children.

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#7 - Lack of communication and responsibility on the parent's end
When parent and teacher are not on the same page, it's the child that suffers. If you need something from teacher that you are not getting (clearer instructions, notes, motivational ideas, practice tips and ideas) please speak up! Tell teacher what you need, don't assume that we can read your mind! If things are hectic at home, maybe there is a death in the family or a new baby, you're renovating your home or preparing for a move, tell your teacher! If your teacher understands the lifestyle changes happening at home, they can make adjustments and understand better as to why there may be changes in progress.

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#8 - There is no set practice routine
Everyone is busy. Everyone has their own routine and lifestyle and what works for one family will not necessarily work for another. Regardless, every family is capable of and needs to set a practice routine. Maybe its first thing in the morning or right after school. It could be attached to an activity like right after school, right after dinner or before snack time. Whatever your routine, keep it consistent. Never skip a day because it is too busy. You are never too busy to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star thinking about a strong bent thumb or tall violin for example. One minute of playing is always better then no playing at all and it shows your child that practice is something that you value and is important enough never to skip.

#9 - Negativity makes practice harder

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Practice time needs to be a safe place where mistakes are okay. Never yell, scream, nag, bribe or use practice as a punishment. Any negative association to practice will make it that much harder to initiate. Give lots of positive feedback and praise when it's really deserved. Keep following this series, make adjustments where you deem appropriate, and you may find that any negativity there once was has lessened or even vanished.

#10 - There is no set practice space
Practice can be almost impossible if it isn't free from distraction. Creating a set practice space also shows that you value this activity and that it is a safe place for the two of you to learn together. Keep all supplies organized and easily accessible. The more convenient the space the more productive you will be (have a stand to keep books, a binder for notes, pencils, a cd player for active listening, a chromatic tuner to check tuning and even invest in a violin stand. No more unpacking your instrument when you want to play!)