When you learn anything new, there are ups and downs.
You've no doubt been there before. You start a new project, a new workout regimen, a new hobby. Those first weeks are exciting and glorious. You're unstoppable.
But then, every time, you hit a low point. A point where it's not as interesting. It's harder. Maintaining progress requires more effort.
This is normal. The human condition. The challenge is getting through the lows. To ride the roller coaster back up to excitement territory.
As parents, we forget this when it comes to our kids. Especially when they're younger, we expect them to be excited about piano lessons and piano practice all the time.
The first time they hit a low, mom and dad question the decision to take lessons.
The second time they hit a low, saving the tuition starts looking more attractive.
When they hit the third low, especially if it's near the beginning of middle school, that's when mom and dad decide to stop lessons.
As students and parents, do we want to be the ones who get off the roller coaster when it's down?
Or do we want to be the few who stay on...riding up and down, up and down...until the very end?