It’s human nature to say no to things that challenge us. After all, it’s a whole lot easier sticking with things we know. Things we can do easily.

Which is why after the rush of wanting to bring music into our lives, it suddenly all goes away. We want to be successful at playing the piano, until we discover several weeks in just how difficult the process really is.

And once that reality sets in, especially for a child, the process is no longer fun.

Yet it’s hard to have fun with something if you’re no good at it. To get good, you have to work for it. Which is why every parent realizes they have to push, motivate, even nag their child over and over again to help them achieve piano success.

How can you do that as a parent who wants your child to succeed?

Relax
Remember, playing the piano isn’t a race. You don’t have a set goal you have to achieve in a certain amount of time. We’re driven to think everything can be solved in short bursts of time. Kids can work through entire video game series in a matter of hours. We solve large problems in two hours – we can thank Hollywood for that. But piano is something where longevity wins over time. Playing is about personal enjoyment and fulfillment, something you carry throughout your lifetime. Enjoy, that’s what it’s truly about.

Consistency
Consistency is always better than establishing strict guidelines over time. A rule of 30 minutes per day can send kids into a tailspin, dreading the time that slowly ticks away on the clock. But if they can sit down as they please, even 10 minutes per day can instill a lifelong love of something that can help them throughout life in so many ways.

Camaraderie
Instead of leaving your kids to practice on their own, have them join a group instead. A piano instructor can lead you to a variety of groups that can have them creating music together. Schools have orchestras and bands. Or have them reach out to other friends who are musically inclined as well. When kids share a common interest, they form a tighter bond. And it can lead to wonderful things.

Showmanship
Instead of asking them to practice, ask them to play you a song instead. If you know they’ve been working really hard on a piece, taking the time to sit down and listen will leave them feeling happy with their success. Reward them with your attention; it’s by far one of the best ways to keep them playing.