- Her friend quit (not good enough reason for me)
- Her teacher is too strict (I told her she needs to practice more and win her teacher with hard work)
- She gets pulled out of art (her favorite subject) to go to Violin class (It is weird how music works in our school system. Instruments are optional part of the curriculum and they don't have a time set aside for it. If you pick to learn an instrument, you get pulled out of some class - social studies, art - whatever)
- She doesn't enjoy playing violin anymore.
She is also taking Piano lessons privately and also plays violin in a Rock Orchestra. So if she were to quit, she would still be playing violin with her Rock band. I didn't want her to quit because first of all, lessons are free at school and they cost a lot if you were to take them privately. But the main reason why I don't want her to quit is because she might regret it later. When I was 9 or 10, I quit taking Kathak dance lessons because my best friend wasn't doing it. My mom insisted that I continue since I was very good - but I didn't listen because I wanted to do what my best friend was doing. My mom didn't force me too much. Now I regret it and wish that my mom had forced me to stick with it.
So I am really torn. I mean she has her plate full. She is in 6th grade, but taking 8th grade math, english, science and social studies. She is part of a book club. She volunteers to tutor elementary school kids once a week. She takes ballet lessons twice a week and piano lessons once a week. She takes ice skating lessons once a week. She is also part of an ongoing research project at school. Maybe she has too much going on and needs to cut back?
Maybe I should let her quit?
I think I should let her quit.
Comments
she does not enjoy it any more...besides like you said, she would still be playing with the rock band...so she's still in touch right?
I personally think most kids should be allowed to decide for themselves what extracurricular activities they want to do, within reason. They can't choose to stop taking reading or math or whatever, but they can have this choice.
Suma - you are right.
Sue - I agree - and I would have probably grown to hate it. Her teacher tells me she is good and I hate to see het throw it away. But I guess I will let her make that decision.
xx lori
Sounds like your daughter is quite an amazing girl, with all that going on! and 8th grade math - wow!
good luck :-) x
Lori Ann - Thats what I am leaning towards.
Karen - Wow - I said the same thing to her that your mom said - I asked her to give it her best for another month,and if she still hates it then she can quit. But in her own words - "Sorry momma, I don't like it anymore, I can't bear it for even another week."
Thanks all for your help :)
Thats a lot on her plate.
Its okay if she regrets it when she is 30. She can take it up then.
I took up Ballet in just a few years ago when my 6 year old started ballet at 3 and I just started ice skating last week! heck, as long as I can move one foot behind another without falling on my face,I can learn and enjoy learning.
Sometimes regretting something is really not a bad thing. Keeps the important things in perspective.
Another Kiran: I guess you are right - I took up karate when my kids were 4 and 6 and did that for 3 years. And then took up running last year - so I guess it is never too late. Thanks for your commments.
My 16 year nephew also plays by the ear. First he self taught himself electric guitar, now he has moved on to Sitar.
I've been following your blog for a bit. I really like it.
I'd suggest since she says she doesn't enjoy it, let her quit. You don't want to push her too hard with it because she may start to not enjoy other things and see them as an obligation too. It may make her despise the violin, when maybe all she needs is a break. Would she be able to pick it up again next year if she misses it? Maybe she'll pick it up again as an adult if she truly wants to. It's never too late.
:)