Introducing some great resource articles for you and your family!
...and others don't
by Janice Morris, Director
Kids who have a certain mindset about learning excel more frequently than those who simply have talent. In their innovative book, Switch (How To Change Things When Change Is Hard), Chip & Dan Heath have compiled a fabulous (and engaging) collection of ideas, resources and research regarding change and growth.
One of the concepts that was most striking to me was how one particular mindset affects achievement. To determine if you have this mindset (and can therefore pass it on to your kids,) they encourage you to read the following four sentences and write down whether you agree or disagree with each of them:
A challenging book by Brady Boyd
Want to Be a Great Parent? Take time for yourself!
I am not sure why, (tongue in cheek), but one of my sons recently sent me a copy of a challenging yet encouraging book. In Addicted to Busy, author Brady Boyd talks about thriving by resting. At first I was a little put off because, as busy as I am, many years ago I made a conscious choice not to work on Sundays, thus verifying that fact that I couldn't possibly be "addicted to busy". We ask our staff to take time off during the week, to not eat at their desks, installed "take a break " software on at least one computer for work during the day etc. My husband and I have a weekly date night and we even try to "rest" our facilities, but Boyd gives new insight into the power of rest.
Be Intentional!
by Janice Morris, Director
Recently I have found myself encouraging parents in my office to be intentional with their kids as they affirm character versus achievement. Sadly, it is impossible to live in Silicon Valley and not feel the pressure to make sure our kids get the highest scores, win the most important competitions and earn the largest scholarships. Without even realizing it, we also pass on our own internal pressure to perform--especially if we are a firstborn child ourselves--(see previous article "Understanding Your Firstborn Child.")
What if we all took a week purposing to look for the internal qualities that really matter...
Compared to other instruments, student guitars are fairly inexpensive (almost always under $130.00), and although they can be rented, it usually makes sense to purchase a size-appropriate guitar for your child. Here are some tips as you begin the journey:
Size makes all the difference!
It is just no fun at all to learn on an instrument that is not the right size, but how do I know if it is? Until students are the size of a child 12 years of age or older, it is likely they will need a reduced-size instrument. The best way to determine the correct size is to visit a guitar or instrument store (see below) and have your child sized by an educated guitarist. Once the proper size has been determined, you may feel more comfortable finding a used instrument or purchasing online.
Subcategories
Practice Tips
Here are several articles to help you with your child's practice.
~Jill T.
~Jill T.
~Rosy H.