Practice makes conflict

Q: My eight-year-old has been in piano lessons for two years. She enjoys it, but getting her to practise is a constant struggle. Any suggestions?

A: If your daughter chooses to continue lessons, she needs to practise. Ask for her ideas on how to make this easier: Would she prefer to practise at a different time? Are there any ways to help her remember when to practise? Maybe a timer or a reminder on her mirror will help. If she has input into the plan, she is more likely to follow through. Maybe your daughter needs a break from lessons. Tell her she doesn’t have to take the lessons and if she wants to stop for a while, that’s just fine.

Constant arguing over her practice time is not helpful for you or her. So give her the choice and let her decide what she wants to do.