Young Children are Like Gremlins

Excited parents sign their four-year-old girl up for piano lessons.

Three weeks later, they decide to quit.

She's not focusing very well and doesn't want to come. We'll wait a few years until she's more mature.

Her lesson was 7:30pm at night. But there's no negotiating at this point. The decision has been made.

Different versions of this have happened over the years with many a young student. And when it does happen, we have to remember one thing. 

They're four years old!

Remember that movie Gremlins? With the adorable creatures who came with these morbid rules?

Don't feed them after midnight.

Don't let them get wet.

Or else, they turn into little monsters.

You know what? Young children are the same way! Some rules are universal to all, while some might be particular to certain kids.

Some basics could be...

Don't schedule your lesson 30 minutes before bedtime.

Make sure they're fed before lesson time.

Don't expect them to practice on their own without a little help.

Plus, every year is different with young kids. Three, four, and five years old are like three different personalities.

Before we pull the plug on music. Before we pass judgement on focus levels and maturity.

Make sure you're following all the rules first.