Overcoming Practice Hurdles 1: Tackling the "I Didn't Have Time" and "I Forgot" Excuses

Parenting a budding musician comes with its own set of challenges, and one of the most common hurdles parents and young musicians face is the struggle to maintain a consistent practice routine. Excuses like "I didn't have time" or "I forgot" often become roadblocks in the journey toward musical proficiency. This three-part series will delve into six key practice excuses and provide practical tips on navigating them successfully. In this first installment, we'll explore the excuses of time constraints and forgetfulness, offering practical strategies to ensure practice becomes an ingrained and organized part of a young musician's life.

I Didn’t Have Time

One of the most frequently heard excuses for not practicing is, "I didn't have time." In our fast-paced world, time seems to slip away effortlessly, leaving children and parents struggling to find moments for dedicated practice. However, carving out practice time can become a manageable task with a little organization and planning.

Scheduling practice time is essential. Like any other commitment or activity, practice must be scheduled and respected. Encourage your child to put practice sessions on their calendar. Allocate specific time slots for practice and treat them as non-negotiable appointments. Set reminders on your and your child's devices to ensure practice time is not overlooked. Implementing a system where your child receives a 5- to 15-minute warning before practice can help them transition smoothly from their current activity to the practice session. This way, they can mentally prepare and switch their focus effectively.

If the issue persists due to an apparent lack of extended periods for practice, consider breaking down the practice sessions into shorter, more frequent intervals. Consistency is key in musical development, and shorter, daily practices can still yield significant progress. The "I didn't have time" excuse can be transformed into a structured practice routine by adapting to the available time without compromising dedication.

I Forgot

Forgetting practice sessions is another hurdle many parents and children encounter. In today's digital age, distractions are abundant, making it easy to overlook important reminders. Addressing this forgetfulness requires proactive strategies to ensure practice commitments are addressed.

Incorporate reminders into your child's routine using electronic calendars or scheduling apps. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that children may not always notice reminders on their devices. Implement a system where the reminder also pops up on your device, allowing you to prompt your child when practice time approaches. Engage with them, reminding them about the upcoming session and encouraging them to switch gears and prepare for practice. Active involvement and guidance will help your child prioritize and remember their practice commitments amidst the distractions of modern life.

In this first part of our three-part series on overcoming practice excuses, we've addressed the common issues of time constraints and forgetfulness. Parents can guide their children to establish a consistent practice routine by scheduling practice time and setting up effective reminders. Through these proactive approaches, the excuses of "I didn't have time" and "I forgot" can be transformed into opportunities for growth and musical advancement. Stay tuned for the next installments in this series, where we will tackle four more practice excuses and provide practical tips for managing them effectively.