5 UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS PARENTS HAVE FROM THEIR KIDS

We all want a better future and all success for our kids, but sometimes unknowingly we started expecting too much from them creating unnecessary pressure which starts to affect their performance negatively. Given below are some such unrealistic expectations:

1. Expecting your kid will always play the same instrument: Your kid’s first instrument may not be their forever instrument. Some parents choose an instrument because it is the most popular, their older sibling plays it, or they think the kid has a knack for it, but it might be the possibility that your child or teacher may discover that a different instrument may be a better fit for them. So be flexible.

2. Not letting kids take lessons purely for enjoyment: As your kid grow older and becomes more involved with academics and other extracurricular, online music training can take a backseat. They may still enjoy their instrument, but the demand for daily practice and goal achievement can spoil their fun or add stress and ultimately lead to quitting. If you notice this happening with your kid, try to change the goal of lessons. We have had many parents who discovered that making practice optional, letting kids pick up the instrument when they want, and emphasizing fun and relaxation has been key in keeping them happy, less stressed out, and more passionate about music than they have ever been.

3. Sticking with the same teacher for too long: If there are things which aren’t working out with the current teacher for any number of reasons like remaining constantly tardy, not having a good personality fit, or being rigid with repertoire, one should directly address the concerns with the teacher or decide that it is time to move on. Like different relationships, the teacher-student dynamic also changes over time. If your kid is expressing the desire or need for a change, hearing them out as a new teacher will add something valuable to your child’s knowledge and experience.

4. Letting their students give up too soon: All artists go through rough periods and there will be a time when your kid starts to hate music, their lessons, their teacher, and also you for making them take lessons in the first place. If you notice this happens with your kid, try to get to the bottom of it. Talk with your kid about why they’re feeling this way, and once you have an idea of what’s going wrong, readjust goals or talk with a teacher about creating new goals and incentives to keep your kid engaged.

5. Expecting students to willingly perform for friends and family: Unless your kid wants to perform, resist the urge to show off their developing skills to others. Learning an instrument is a very personal journey and you should leave it to your kid with whom they want to share instead of dictating them to perform before your friends and family.

Piano lessons Los Angeles suggests that avoiding above-mentioned potential pitfalls helps your kid extract maximum benefit from their music lessons and probably have more fun.