Kids and Routine

Teaching provides a very interesting opportunity to observe children. One of the observations I have noticed quite often is how much children thrive with routine. We all have heard the recommendation to make sure kids have a regular bedtime or meals at regular times. But when it comes to practicing an instrument, it is easy to think that we can just find time when that day. But it rarely works like that. 

Schedule your practice time!

Practice time that is squeezed in right before bedtime one day or right after school the next isn’t going to be as profitable as a practice time that is predictable every day. Kids love to know what is coming next. Even if your child complains about having to practice, his/her knowing that this is just what is going to happen will help him/her be ready to focus on practicing.
 
As a teacher, may I suggest that you schedule in your child’s music practice time just as you would schedule his lesson time. Find a time that your child is alert and happy (not right before breakfast or after waking up from a nap). You, as the parent, know what times would be best for your child to practice. Try practicing at that time every day this coming week and see how it goes.