I’m a pretty laid-back parent. We don’t bathe every night, and I don’t quiz my kids on their spelling. Bedtime? Let’s just say it’s more of a suggestion than a rule. We don’t enroll them in an endless stream of extracurricular activities aimed at pushing them to outperform their peers. If anything, my parenting style resembles a sloth more than a tiger.
That said, there are a few non-negotiables in our household. For instance, kindness is paramount. I expect my kids to do their best and to complete what they start. They must wear clean underwear and push their chairs in after dinner. And yes, they absolutely must take Spanish classes and music lessons—no exceptions.
Now, when I mention that my kids are enrolled in piano and Spanish classes, you might picture a pushy, perfectionist mom. However, I’m more of an average mom with an average family, raising average kids. My parenting philosophy could be summed up in three words: “good enough.”
So, why the insistence on piano and Spanish, even if my kids don’t show any interest? The answer is simple: I want them to respect and appreciate music and languages, no matter their proficiency.
As parents, we often require our children to do things they’d rather avoid. We make them brush their teeth (at least sometimes), visit the dentist and doctor, study math, and practice spelling. We might even insist they attend religious education classes. And we do this not because we expect them to become dental hygiene experts or spelling whizzes, but because we understand that these activities contribute to a well-rounded, educated individual. The same logic applies to music and foreign languages; they’re just as critical as mastering chemistry symbols or math skills.
I’m not concerned about whether my kids will be virtuosos at the piano or fluent in Spanish. What matters to me is instilling the idea that music and cultural awareness are essential elements of being a well-rounded person. Simply participating in these activities teaches them that they matter. They’re valuable.
As my kids grow and their interests evolve, my husband and I may need to adjust how we emphasize the importance of music and language. There might come a time when we’ll have to explore alternative ways to nurture a love for these subjects. But for now, while they’re still young, music lessons and language classes remain on our list of must-dos.
It’s not about whether they become skilled musicians or language experts; it’s all about the message that music and languages are significant. I don’t mind if they never progress beyond “Chopsticks” on the piano or if they can barely string together a sentence in Spanish. What I care about is that they step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and learn to see the world from different perspectives. Likewise, I’m not worried if they can’t conjugate a verb in Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic. What’s important is that they appreciate the vastness of our world, celebrate diversity, and cultivate cultural awareness.
So while I might let them skip brushing their teeth occasionally, they will certainly be tickling the ivories and hablando en español.
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In summary, while I may not fit the mold of the typical “tiger mom,” I firmly believe in the value of music and language lessons for my kids. It’s about fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and cultural diversity, rather than pushing them to excel.