Emotions and our Children

Having been a Kindermusik teacher now for 13 years, I have seen many children come and go. My own children never had the opportunity to do Kindermusik as I didn't know about it when they were small. My baby was 11 when I started my program and although they know all the songs and what Kindermusik is all about (they heard me practicing!), they never got to sit on my lap and participate. However, I do have grandchildren who now have the opportunity to reap the benefits of a Kindermusik class.

This year I get to be the "parent" in one class because my 5 year old grandson is in his mom's Young Child class. The excitement was high as we anticipated our first Young Child class. Who wouldn't be excited? He was going to learn about notes and the beat and get to READ rhythms and notes on the staff. What fun! So we went to the first class. Got there way too early, so we did all the things you need to do to prepare for a class. We had our things and then went to the bathroom. Thinking he didn't need me for that task, I sent him alone. He came out calling for "Gamma". Not a good sign. He had peed his pants, something that hasn't happened for a long time. I proceeded to clean him up. We had found a few toys in a room to play with while waiting and we went to pick them up. He didn't want to do this. He wanted to continue playing, but still said he wanted to go to class. I had created a real dilemma for him. And the melt down began! I always tell parents not to arrive too early. I had not followed my own advice.

So for the next 10 minutes (5 minutes beyond when class began) he was crying. Very upset! I would talk a while and then be quiet. Finally, he began calming down, so he went into class. I was EXHAUSTED! I was so afraid that I had contributed to him not enjoying Kindermusik anymore. I thought this was going to be hard for many weeks. I just wasn't sure this was going to be the experience for either of us that I was anticipating.

Oh my! Parents! Parents have said things like this to me as they withdrew from class. I totally understand now! It is hard! Sometimes parents just aren't ready to do the hard work that raising a child can present. It's just easier to stay home or go to a park and let your child run. Now while these things are fine, your child will not get the value and benefits from a Kindermusik class this way.

So as I learned, you just have to be willing to do the hard work sometimes to reap the benefits in your child's life. My grandson is now in week #3 of Kindermusik for the Young Child and he seems to be fine. So I'm timing my entrance better and we never mention the toys in the other room! (And by the way, the picture at the top doesn't have my grandson in it!)