By JOHN DALY
Being a parent is by no means an easy job, and it can be difficult to balance so many different things that come with parenthood. When your child shows he or she wishes to learn something new, of course you want to encourage them to stick with it. But there’s a need to have to find the balance between being encouraging and being forceful. Every child is different and only you know what is the best way for you to support them with whatever they want to do.
However, if you’re having trouble with how to support your child to continue playing the guitar, you have come to the right place.
We have prepared a few tips that can make everything easier both for you and your child.
Be an example
Children often tend to follow their actions more rather than your words. This is one of the biggest tools you can use to motivate your child for anything they do. If you already play the guitar, make sure that your kid sees and hears you practicing regularly, and play in front of other people. This way, your child can get the motivation to practice themselves. Of course, you can always play together and learn new songs and techniques together. It can be a great source of motivation as well as quality time.
Even if you don’t play the guitar, you can be an example to your children by working regularly on some other hobby of yours.
Try to give them different sources of learning
The good old teacher-student sessions are an amazing way of learning. If the teacher is committed to your child, they can make great progress quite quickly. But, you might want to try some other learning sources. As experts on guitar learning over at https://www.allstringed.com/ explain, utilizing online programs and websites can be extremely useful for learning how to play the guitar. They are quite interactive and have more options for songs and styles than a regular guitar lesson can have.
Today’s kids are very engaged in all kinds of things on the internet. They like to watch vlogs from influencers, play games, and chat with their friends online. Why not use this opportunity to support them in playing the guitar?
Take them to live shows
If your child is lacking motivation, you can provide them with inspiration. If there is an artist they really admire, take your kid to their concert if you have the chance. This way they will see what kind of sound can be obtained if they practice a lot, which will give them that push they need to practice more.
If you don’t have the opportunity to go and see live shows, you can always spend time with your child watching videos of live shows online.
Provide your child with opportunities to perform
Just like in anything else, the gratification one can get from playing the guitar in front of a live audience can be truly motivational.
If your child has a private teacher, make sure they offer guitar recitals. Another option is for example playing in their school, church, or community center. Not only will they practice more if they know the performance is coming, but they will also be inspired by the applause and the feeling of the beauty of performing.
Find time to listen to your child play
Of course, a live audience can be of great importance, but your child needs a regular source of motivation for performing. Even if you are busy, try to find the time to listen to them play. They will feel more valued and they will feel like their work is appreciated. And of course, if you play the guitar yourself, you can always help them progress if they are making any mistakes.
Don’t ask them to practice for too long
The human brain can only process so much before it gets tired. We are designed to learn better if the practice material is broken down into smaller practice sessions.
If your child knows they only have to sit down and practice for 10-15 minutes once or twice a day, they might be more willing to practice. The point of this kind of schedule is that they will learn the practice material better than if it was crammed in longer practice sessions.
Of course, you should always give them space and let them create the schedule they feel comfortable with. This way, they will know you support them, but also that you respect their decisions.