Learning to play an instrument, be it a guitar or a violin, is a powerful experience for character and personality development. Parents often encourage their children to take up new hobbies and acquire a diverse array of skills.
Parents instil reading habits and encourage their children to learn new languages and take up academically enriching subjects and courses. But how would you react if your child wants to learn how to play the guitar? Many parents would look at such a hobby with disdain, wanting their children to gravitate towards academic learning.
Snubbing your child from embracing a musical instrument is a terrible mistake. Instead, you must show your support and encourage them every step of the way. We’ve lined up some effective strategies to help you shower them with unconditional support to build their confidence. Here, take a look:
Paying for guitar lessons
The first and foremost step is to help them find an experienced teacher and pay for their guitar lessons. It may not seem like a worthwhile investment in their academic future, but it will contribute to character development. You see, learning a musical instrument demands patience, discipline, and tedious hard work. Paying for their guitar lessons is an investment in your child’s personality and character, encouraging them to cultivate discipline.
Finding the right teacher may seem challenging, but all it takes is a quick Google search to explore your options. Suppose you’re looking for an experienced guitar teacher in Colorado who works with children. In that case, you simply have to search for guitar lessons in Colorado and screen out the most highly rated teachers.
It’s wise to explore reviews and seek referrals. Colorado has a vibrant music community, and there are scores of guitar training institutes. Be sure to account for your child’s training needs and preferences while making a decision. For instance, does your child need one-on-one training, or would they thrive in a collaborative learning environment with other students?
Investing in their guitar lessons is an investment in a pursuit they have chosen for themselves. It will boost their confidence with a potent dose of encouragement. You can always join your child’s learning experience and take up guitar lessons yourself.
Help them stay consistent
Children struggle with time management, and here’s an arena where parents can show their support. You can help your child stay consistent and make time for their lessons and practice alongside their academic routines. Children have hectic coursework and rigorous learning needs, and they are swamped with school work.
You can help your child carve out a healthy balance between their academic life and their musical passions. Treat their guitar learning endeavour as a priority, much like you treat their homework and lessons with significance. Give them thoughtful reminders to practice their guitar lessons, and help them make time to stay consistent.
Give them a designated spot
Does your guitar protégé share the room with other siblings? Do they struggle to find a quiet and ambient environment to practice their lessons? Here’s an opportunity to respect and honour your little one’s commitment to their craft: help them carve out a designated spot.
You can free up some space in the attic, the basement, or even the garage. Set up a nice little corner with musical equipment, speakers, and wall art to create an indulgent environment. You can even soundproof the room to keep the music from permeating your living spaces.
The idea is to give them a designated spot to focus their energies on their musical talents. This gesture will symbolize an affectionate nod of approval from doting parents who are proud of their little one’s musical inclinations.
Encouragement & positivity
Encouragement goes a long way in building and boosting confidence. It would help if you encouraged them to stay focused and steadfast, showering them with positivity. Learning how to play the guitar isn’t easy, and it often takes years of rigorous training.
Listening to them play the guitar is a great way to voice your approval without using words. If you ask them to play for you now, you would indicate that you enjoy and support their talent. You don’t necessarily have to share your judgment, just stay attentive and look engrossed.
Words of encouragement from a parent mean the world to children, especially when they are struggling.
Here are some phrases and encouraging sentences you can use:
- Have you been practicing for 2 hours? I love the discipline; keep it up!
- I love how focused and consistent you are; even most adults struggle with these qualities.
- I’m so proud of how effortlessly your fingers work those strings.
Show off their skills
It’s one thing for parents to encourage and praise their children privately, but showing off their skills is another level of encouragement. Children catch up with parental strategies and often feel their parents boost their confidence to keep them focused. But when you admire and appreciate their skills in front of guests, you make them beam with pride and joy.
The idea is to show off their guitar-playing skills in front of family members and friends, encouraging them to cheer on. You can even ask your child for a post-dinner performance to instil confidence and give them an eager audience.
Conclusion
Learning to play the guitar will prove an enjoyable and enriching experience for your child. It’s crucial to encourage them to pursue the creative and musical arts that inspire a good work ethic and discipline. Playing the guitar or starting a band may not align with your dreams and vision for your child, but it matters to them. Therefore, it’s essential to lend your unconditional support so they can pursue their passions undeterred.
