| When my S began ninth grade, he decided to "assert" himself, declaring to his father and me that he did not want to continue his music studies. He wanted to play football. The football part was rather surprising, but I was aware that he had become frustrated with his lessons. He was also tired of the time commitment to the pre-conservatory program he was in. I didn't know what to do and honestly found myself grasping at straws. But I reluctantly made the deal with him that he could drop his lessons and play football, but he had to continue the conservatory program.
Thankfully, it worked out. He wasn't much of a football player and rather quickly came to that realization, though he did play two years. In that time, he discovered jazz, which rekindled his passion for music.
After a year looking into the disapproving face of his teacher every Saturday at conservatory, he came around. Interestingly enough, it was at that point that he started to seek out teachers on his own, and become more engaged in his learning process--letting me know about programs and teachers that he was interested in.
This is a dicey time for kids. I agree it's hard to know what to do without overdoing. But I guess my point is, give the kid some wiggle room, but don't throw in the towel. Encourage him in the direction that is best for him. |