Most parents don't realize that powerful research shows that the ability to delay gratification in children is the most important factor for life success. Not grades. Not genius intelligence. Not money. The most important factor (after having a reasonable level of intelligence) is the trait Concientiousness. That's a fancy way to say, "Ability to delay gratification." Heres an important podcast that points to these facts.

"A puppy? I can't take having a puppy!" We've all said it, right? And it is true that pets can be a significant stressor when you have very young children. But pets can teach important lessons of empathy, love, patience, and loyalty to our older children. In this podcast, Amelia and Joan discuss the benefits of having family pets and why it might be worth the effort to invite an animal into your family.

We know there are tons of questions, concerns, hopes and dreams around homeschooling your children. Here are some key concepts by experienced homeschool moms and the research based insights from a clinical mental health counselor. Let us know what other issues you want addressed!

This gives answers to your homeschooling questions. The questions you have wanted to ask and the answers that you need. Enjoy!

Maybe you are trying to go the "gentle parenting" route but find you are yelling at your children more. You are not alone. Here are some solutions to that unhealthy habit of yelling.

Hear from a super experienced, second-generation homeschool mom of five children ages 10-18 years old. She has successfully navigated the issues that may be challenging you -- and you will get some concrete ideas to inspire you!

Purchase the popular phonics-based reading program at Dash into Learning.

Purchase our family-centered Social Emotional Learning program Dash into Happy.

This episodes discusses the development of attention in children so they can become proficient musicians--plus family traditions that create an appreciation and excitement for masterpiece music. You can start before your baby is even born!

Purchase our delightful early learning curriculum at DashIntoLearning.com and our family centered Social Emotional Learning program at DashIntoHappy.com

Ever wondered the secrets to getting children to practice their instrument? Joan is a mother of seven musical children and Amelia is the mom of four kids who are learning instruments. And they are sharing some time tested strategies to inspire your child to practice.

See our popular phonics based reading program for kids here at DashintoLearning.com

See our popular emotional resilience program for families here at DashintoHappy.com

Show Notes

Benefits

Composer studies via Charlotte Mason Classical music interactive long term cultural tradition Beethoven instead of white noise Junk music can undermine love of classical music Expose your children to the repertoire that they will be learning so they will have an “Aha”moment with the music. Music can change the flow of composition when making art Music skills can be enjoyed for a lifetime Strong links between learning an instruments and academic success Imparts discipline for study or concentration Classical music is rigorous but provides a foundation for other types of music study. Attention is like a muscle that can be developed — music is a vehicle to develop capacity for attention How to prime the pump so kids will want to make music. During pleasurable events— traveling, cuddling, dinner, tea parties Classical music as a repellant for vagrants Lullabies and pre birth music A speech therapist said Amelia’s child would never learn music but Amelia proved her wrong Don’t watch a lot of TV but could choose some great classical performers on YouTube to watch. As children fall asleep Prep children for attending the symphony by having kids listen to the music beforehand Don’t stay for the whole concert if it’s too long. Symphonies for families, kids, or include ballet. How to actually start teaching music Establish habits of obedience BEFORE they start taking lessons. But sometimes you can swap chores for practice on the instruments. You can start a 3 year old on violin or piano but it will take longer and cost more money than starting a 5 year old. Don’t compare your child to others. If you have no musical background you might want to start at age 7-10 so the child can retain instruction from the teacher. Parents need to attend every lesson and either video or take great notes. Less driving than sports. Find the very best teacher you can afford who can teach proper technique. Don’t be afraid to drive an hour for a superior teacher. Show great respect to the teacher. This takes a sacrifice on part of parents. Don’t complain to teacher about the cost. Universities can be a good resource for good teaching. Start music lessons in the summer when they are not overloaded with school. Don’t take summers off from lessons. You only have to practice on the days you eat. Make it part of your family culture. After the first year or so, your child can really bloom. Be excited for all their little wins Record them and send videos to family. Friend from South Korea Parents role is to be the assistant teacher or practice buddy Start with 3 minutes multiple times a day for a 3 year old. For a total beginner start with as many minutes as they are old. Don’t expect your child to practice independently until about 4th or 5th grade. Start weaning off parent lesson attendance about age 10. By age 12 they should be practice independently.

Some ideas to make fun: 1.Divide the goals into very small tasks 2. Gamify the practice 3. Tiny treats like goldfish or tic tacs 4. Practice for spins. Delayed gratification. 5. Jump rope with rhymes 6. Hand clapping games 7. Read a page of a story book 8. Tell true stories and stop at cliff hangers 9. Closer and closer game 10. Board games 11. Ball into a basket 12. Progressive drawing 13. Hang man and tick tac toe 14. Doing music can help you develop a relationship and make memories 15. You can learn to repair the relationship while they are on the bench. 16. Never make practicing a punishment. 17. Make the rewards to be almost instantaneous. 18. The most important day to practice is the day right after the lesson. 19. Videoed practice sessions for total beginners on Joan Landes counselor channel.

Next week Rob Landes Violin