I consider myself a pretty laid-back parent. Our family routine is a bit loose. Bath time? Not every night. Homework? I don’t quiz my kids on their spelling. Bedtime? Let’s just say it’s more of a guideline than a rule. We don’t sign them up for every extracurricular under the sun to boost their academic or athletic prowess. If anything, my parenting style could be compared to that of a sloth rather than a tiger.
However, there are a few expectations I hold firm on. Kindness is paramount. I want my kids to give their best effort and see things through to completion. Clean underwear? A must. And yes, they need to push their chairs in after dinner. But above all, my kids are required to take Spanish classes and piano lessons—no exceptions.
Now, when I mention that my children are taking these classes, you might envision a hyper-driven mom trying to mold prodigies. But the truth is, I’m quite relaxed about most aspects of parenting. I’m just an ordinary mom, raising ordinary kids, with a mantra that leans toward “good enough.”
So, why the insistence on piano and Spanish, especially when they might not show much enthusiasm? The answer is simple: I want them to appreciate and respect both music and foreign languages, regardless of their proficiency.
As parents, we often make our children partake in activities they may not be thrilled about. We insist they brush their teeth (at least now and then), visit the dentist, and tackle their math homework. These things aren’t about turning them into dental hygiene experts or spelling champions; they’re about fostering healthy, well-rounded individuals. I believe that music and cultural education are just as crucial as mastering math formulas or literary concepts.
My priority isn’t whether my kids become virtuoso pianists or fluent Spanish speakers. What matters most to me is instilling the value of music and cultural awareness in their lives—elements that contribute to a well-rounded existence. By engaging in these activities, they learn that music and languages matter, that they hold intrinsic value.
As my children grow and their interests evolve, I’m sure my husband and I will adjust how we emphasize music and language. Perhaps one day we’ll let them explore music in a more informal setting to keep their love for it alive. But for the time being, when they’re still young, music lessons and language classes are non-negotiable.
It’s not about achieving proficiency; it’s about conveying the importance of these disciplines. I don’t mind if they never progress beyond playing “Chopsticks” or if their Spanish skills are basic at best. What I do care about is that they step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and learn to appreciate the world from different perspectives. Likewise, I want them to recognize the richness of our diverse world and develop cultural awareness, whether they study Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic.
So while I might be lenient about their brushing habits, one thing’s for sure: they will be practicing those piano keys and speaking Spanish.
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In summary, while I may not be a strict Tiger Mom, I believe in the importance of music and language in shaping well-rounded individuals. My goal is to help my kids appreciate these vital aspects of life, ensuring they understand their value as they grow.
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