TORTURE!

As a Mother I ask myself 2 questions each and every day.

"What more can I do?"

and

"What am I doing wrong?"

I know for a fact that 90% of my stress would disappear if I didn't require each child to practice their musical instrument.

I would have an abundance of time that I don't know have if I didn't have to make them practice or even sit with them to practice.

I'm pretty sure they would find something else to complain about if they didn't have their practicing to do, but I know that life would be so much easier...

e-a-s-i-e-r

if I didn't nag them about practicing and if they didn't have to work hard at it.

Jeff is fully supportive of their learning music, but many days he does question if it is really worth it when I am aroused with wild fury.

The other day I wrote out a list of reasons why it's important for my children to learn music just to remind myself why I am doing this. Here's a few ideas...

1. Teaches discipline.

2. Teaches sensitivity to the world.

3. Teaches hard work.

4. Develops a talent that we are commanded to do.

5. Develops their "ear."

6. Feels a sense of pride after working hard.

7. Makes others happy.

8. Develops character.

9. Give them an identity in something they can do well.

10. Stress releaser.

11. A gift that I give them that they'll have for their whole life.

When we have a pay off day or recital it becomes worth it for those performing and for those listening.

I love our piano teacher...

He's quirky but talented. More important than all of that is that he loves those kids. He cares about them and he praises them each week.

I have thought of switching teachers many many times, only because our teacher's expectations are so high and I wonder if my kids really need that pressure, especially when they have other interests. But, after talking to and observing other teachers, I know we have the best teacher, so how can we leave him?

I had a pay off day listening to Maryn and Ady perform.

They play so awesomely and I am so proud of them.

They do work hard.

Maybe it means more to me because I too play the piano and see the joy that comes through music and the service that I have been able to give to others and the church because of my ability.

I want that for them.

Growing up my mom was the meanest mom in the neighborhood. None of my friends had to practice. It's funny how life turns and now I am the meanest mom in the world.

I'm hanging in there for the day when they'll thank me...

but in the meantime we all must endure the daily

TORTURE!