As a parent, I lean toward a more relaxed approach. We don’t have nightly baths, and I don’t quiz my kids on their spelling. Bedtime? Let’s just say it’s on the flexible side. We don’t enroll them in extra classes or private lessons to make them top achievers in school or sports. In fact, if I were to pick an animal to symbolize my parenting style, I’d say I’m more of a sloth than a tiger.
However, there are a few essential rules that I hold firm on. Kindness is at the top of my list. I expect my kids to give their best effort and to complete what they start. They need to wear clean underwear and push their chairs in after meals. And yes, I insist that they take Spanish classes and piano lessons.
When I mention that my kids are required to take piano and Spanish, you might picture a perfectionist mom pressuring her children to achieve. But that’s not the case for me. I’m just an everyday mom, with an average family, raising average kids. My philosophy can be summed up in two words: “good enough.”
So, why am I insisting on piano and Spanish, even though my kids don’t show much interest? The answer is simple: I want them to appreciate and respect music and languages, no matter their skill level.
As parents, we often require our kids to do things they’d rather avoid. We make them brush their teeth (at least some of the time), visit the dentist, tackle their geometry homework, and prepare for spelling tests. We might even encourage them to attend religious education classes. We don’t do these things because we expect them to become experts in teeth-brushing or spelling; we do it because we recognize these activities contribute to their growth into well-rounded, educated individuals. For me, music and foreign languages hold the same significance as grasping chemistry concepts or mastering math skills.
I’m not concerned with whether my kids become virtuosos on the piano or fluent in Spanish. What matters to me is conveying the importance of music and cultural understanding. They need to learn that these subjects are significant, that they have value. By engaging with music and language, regardless of their proficiency, my kids will understand that these elements matter in life.
As my children mature and their interests evolve, my husband and I will likely adjust how we emphasize the significance of music and language. There may come a time when we need to change our approach to keep their love for music alive by moving away from traditional lessons. But for now, while they’re still young, piano lessons and Spanish classes remain non-negotiable.
It’s not about whether they become skilled musicians or proficient in another language; it’s about instilling the belief that music and languages are important. I don’t mind if they never learn more than “Chopsticks” or if they prefer drums over piano. What matters is that they step beyond their comfort zone, venture into new experiences, and learn to perceive the world differently. Similarly, whether they become fluent in Spanish or just grasp a few basic phrases doesn’t concern me. I want them to appreciate the richness of diverse cultures and develop a strong sense of cultural awareness.
So while I may let them skip brushing their teeth now and then, there’s no way they’re getting out of their piano practice or Spanish lessons!
For more insights and personal experiences related to home insemination, check out this article on our blog. You can also find helpful resources at Make a Mom for those exploring the topic further, and Hopkins Medicine is an excellent reference for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The author reflects on their relaxed parenting style while emphasizing the importance of music and language for their children. They are committed to ensuring their kids take piano and Spanish lessons, not for mastery but to foster appreciation and cultural awareness.