Child's piano lesson

[Wellthatsthatthenisntit]

My DCs both do piano lessons. Age 6 and 9. Recently DC9 has begun complaining about going. It is half an hour a week (lesson) and they do two practices of about 10 mins during the week. Been going 18 months.

My view is that this is non-negotiable. It will help with their development, and future choices in life, and both doing very well with it. I gave up a musical instrument when young, which I regret, and parents never pushed me. I realise I am projecting.

For the record I am not pushy in any other way and they happily do swimming, a team sport (winter and summer) and other activities of their choosing. I don't make them do extra schoolwork or anything like that.

Family member thinks I am being horrible. AIBU?

Similar to another poster. I got to grade 6 piano when I was young. I don’t see it as giving me any benefit. I play for pleasure now and I find it relaxing but I could have similarly gone for knitting or walking. I assume your life benefit isn’t about a relaxing hobby. Another benefit is I can read music well and was able to help my children with music lessons.

But similar to a PP, I believe it’s more beneficial to play a group instrument. One of mine picked violin and isn’t in any groups yet (lots of violinist around) but it’s her own choice. The other is doing trumpet and only been 6 months. The teacher at school already said she will be in the school orchestra (I assume because there aren’t many brass players).

Also, I encourage my children to play almost every day. The older between 15-20min. Younger is only 5 min. They can play old songs, improvise or listen to what they are learning. It should not be something non negotiable but encouraged.

Jesus OP, who shit on your cornflakes?

You've asked for advise - you've been given advice. Yet you're just coming back to be a dick. Not everyone will agree with you, stop being so aggressive. Nobody forced you to post here.

No don’t twist things. I thanked people for advice, much of it actually telling me I’m unreasonable - it was you who decided to post snarky comments - and I replied. If you don’t like being stood up to, think before you post.

Again thank you to all who took time to post, I’ve taken all the comments on board. Bowing out now. 💐