Why Kids Won't Practice - Part 4

Here is the last post to the Practice Series, 

just in time for Tuesday's Parent Education Event! 

Missed the other reasons as to Why Kids Won't Practice? 

Click HERE to find out and get some inspiration on how to approach practice.

#15 - Perfectionism
The perfectionist at any age deals with daily battles because making a mistake, no matter how small, can seem like the end of the world. A child with a perfectionist mindset needs to constantly be reminded that making mistakes is okay and that mistakes allow us to learn and grow. As parents and teachers we must model this behaviour and not put ourselves down when we make mistakes. We must make our expectations for a child crystal clear and to remember to praise the effort, not just the outcome.

#16 - Practice is a maturity thing
Although young children can be taught about responsibility and grow independence year after year, it cannot be expected of them to do everything on their own. We must guide them in getting their homework done, on the importance of eating a balanced meal, getting enough exercise, and practicing their violin. Help your child learn the habit of healthy daily routines now and it will pay off into their teenage and adult years when you won't always be there to make sure they get things done!

#17 - You are your child's biggest influence

If you don't want to practice, neither will your child. If you find it relaxing and calming listening to the Suzuki cd in the car with your child, they will feel this joy with you. If you turn your attention to your cell phone during lesson, your child's attention won't be on the lesson either. What you do, positive or negative, your child imitates. Take time to self reflect on your attitude towards violin lessons and other areas in your life. Be who you want your child to become.

#18 - You are using too many big words
As much as we want to explain and educate children, there is a time and place where words can be effective. Over explaining and using too many words can sometimes loose a child, not because they are incapable of understanding, but because they are not currently in the right state to focus on the words. Children love to do things, so when words are letting you down, DO what you are trying so tirelessly to explain. Not only is doing an activity more fun then just talking about it, but they will probably connect what you were trying to explain to them quicker and more efficiently. 

#19 - Check your tone

This is not to mean the tone on the violin, but our tone as adults. Children can read the slight tonal differences in our voices. They can tell when we become frustrated, if we are satisfied with a practice spot or if it needs to be better. Remember that you are in this together. You are working as a team to complete practice assignments. It is not a time to be critical of one another, but to support one another in this journey of learning an instrument. If something still is not clicking between you and your child during practice, record a practice session and review it with teacher. You may be surprised to see reactions that you didn't know you were making but are upsetting the practice session nonetheless.

#20 - Being firm is not being mean

Being firm is loving your child. It means parenting. As soon as a child starts dictating when they will take a bath, what they will eat for dinner, or that there will be absolutely no music today, we've lost the parenting reins. Be firm, stand your ground, and ride this wave with your child. The storm will pass and you will both be in a better place because of it. Stay strong and connect with other parents in your community. You are not alone.

#21 - Play games, all sorts!

Children love to play games and it is so simple to take a teachable moment and turn it into a game that means something to a child. Copy the games your teacher uses in lesson and make up your own games that you think cater to your child's interests.

#22 - Turn off the TV and other electronic devices!
Do I need to say more?

Happy Practicing!