Here we are again at Mali's next violin recital, and we're having the same conversations about violin. Mali likes how it sounds, but keeps saying she "didn't mean to pick violin." I'm torn between wanting be flexible enough to let her try something else and wanting to try to explain the value of sticking something out. I honestly am not invested in what instrument she plays. I just want her to love it. It's hard to explain to a child what possibilities learning an instrument can bring. I promised Mali that if she got through the Twinkles, she could make a decision about violin and I would honor that. I decided on that because I wanted her to know what it feels like to be able to play a song. Now she does, and she thinks it's fun. But, I don't think it's enough for her. She doesn't love it. So, after her recital on Saturday, I will follow through and allow her to decide. We'll see. Here's some pictures of her practicing. She gets to choose where she practices and what she wears. I get to choose what she practices. She dressed as a queen and played on the deck. She sang along with herself all the way through the Twinkle theme.
4 comments:
Oh, my, what a happy, happy, meaningful childhood you are giving her.
Thank you.
Abby stopped, and now is excited about cello....but I told her we would wait a bit.
Best advice I have received is to follow their lead. (even if it not what we would choose for them, which is hard and complicated, and really, all about control, which reminds we that we are still in labor...still moving them through to life on their own.)
It really seems to make sense to follow her lead, especially at this age, and maybe always on this. She certainly is at a good age to experiment with her interests. Next, she wants to try piano, and I think 7 is a very appropriate age to start piano. Plus, with homeschooling, it will be easier for me to teach her. I just don't know at what point I should say, "let's stick with it." That's probably on down the road a bit. But, I don't remember loving any of the instruments I played as I was learning them, but as an adult, I sure am grateful that I learned them. It seems impossible for a child to understand that perspective from where they stand.
For now. . . that's all I can do I guess is focus on the immediate.
now this idea challenges me. But I have just been thinking about that, Jen. That labor continues. I wish I weren't so manipulative when it comes to so many things...like piano, for instance. Yet Henry enjoys aspects of it, and I can't let go of the longterm hope that someday he'll be really, really glad he stuck with it. I hope...
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