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STRINGS VS. THINGS
(Thread)
I can still remember the smell of the first music store I went into as a kid. There’s no describing that odor, either; the only time you can catch a whiff is in the presence of wind instruments and accordions.
(Thread)
I can still remember the smell of the first music store I went into as a kid. There’s no describing that odor, either; the only time you can catch a whiff is in the presence of wind instruments and accordions.
Coming through the front door, I could see the guitars, about 20 of them, hanging on the wall, like modern works of art.
A red Fender Stratocaster caught my eye, and after playing the few classic rock hits in my arsenal, I walked out of the music shop, guitar in hand.
A red Fender Stratocaster caught my eye, and after playing the few classic rock hits in my arsenal, I walked out of the music shop, guitar in hand.
In the mid 80’s, there weren’t too many electronic devices which were capable of stealing your attention for hours on end.
Social Media meant talking on the phone.
Wasn’t a cell phone, either.
Social Media meant talking on the phone.
Wasn’t a cell phone, either.
Computers still operated on DOS; Windows was yet to come. For a kid who had ADD tendencies, diving into the world of guitar was something which consumed all of my attention. Time flew by like a rocket, and I didn’t care. My skills were improving, and it only fueled me onwards.
Not sure if I would’ve been a guitar player in today’s climate. I’d like to hope so, but the fact of the matter is, there are tons of other things to do besides playing music.
Most of those activities come in the form of some sort of electronics.
Most of those activities come in the form of some sort of electronics.
If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’ve had those moments where you wish your child would have less screen time and more green time.
In this thread, we’re going to examine some ways in which we can make this possible.
In this thread, we’re going to examine some ways in which we can make this possible.
Music, sports, art: the following suggestions work across the board.
If your young one prefers Monet to Mozart, worry not, and continue reading.
If your young one prefers Monet to Mozart, worry not, and continue reading.
Enforce Screen-Time Rules
This one is a must. If you’re going to try and implement anything new in your child’s life, there may be some pushback.
That’s ok.
This one is a must. If you’re going to try and implement anything new in your child’s life, there may be some pushback.
That’s ok.
When the time comes for rules to be enforced, or the need arises for some sort of disciplinary action to take place, you must be firm, and not give in.
This means if you say you’re going to take the iPad/Xbox/PC for an infraction of the rules, do it.
This means if you say you’re going to take the iPad/Xbox/PC for an infraction of the rules, do it.
Do Your Homework
Remember, your kids are an investment; who else do you want taking care of you in your old age?
If you want your children to get outside, you need to have some activities lined up.
Remember, your kids are an investment; who else do you want taking care of you in your old age?
If you want your children to get outside, you need to have some activities lined up.
Help them explore new avenues of life. Maybe you’d like them to get into martial arts?
Or, maybe a local music academy: see what kind of instrument they’d like to learn.
Or, maybe a local music academy: see what kind of instrument they’d like to learn.
Whichever it is, you can look online, and see what’s available around you.
Read reviews.
See how many happy parents are taking the time write about how wonderful the instructor is, etc.
Give your child the best possible platform to begin from.
Read reviews.
See how many happy parents are taking the time write about how wonderful the instructor is, etc.
Give your child the best possible platform to begin from.
Explore
Once you’ve done a little bit of research, or if the opportunity arises, go look at places/things together.
This gives you some time with your child, and the opportunity to see what piques their interest. Besides, any time spent with your child can be time well spent.
Once you’ve done a little bit of research, or if the opportunity arises, go look at places/things together.
This gives you some time with your child, and the opportunity to see what piques their interest. Besides, any time spent with your child can be time well spent.
Execute
Once you’ve found what your child likes, act on it. Karate? Sign them up. Baseball? Get them in the league!
Educate
Even if your child shows strong promise in their activity of choice, the best thing you can do for them is sign them up for lessons in said activity.
Once you’ve found what your child likes, act on it. Karate? Sign them up. Baseball? Get them in the league!
Educate
Even if your child shows strong promise in their activity of choice, the best thing you can do for them is sign them up for lessons in said activity.
Quality
The following may be the most controversial of the list: I believe once a child has shown a real knack for something, and it requires any equipment, get them the good stuff.
It serves to inspire, and quality equipment usually lasts for years to come.
The following may be the most controversial of the list: I believe once a child has shown a real knack for something, and it requires any equipment, get them the good stuff.
It serves to inspire, and quality equipment usually lasts for years to come.
Your child’s insrument will be top notch, and they’ll have pride knowing its one of the best.
The 50th Anniversary Fender Strat I bought brand-new in 1996 is still my daily player and go-to electric.
The amp I play through is a 1996 Fender DeVille.
The 50th Anniversary Fender Strat I bought brand-new in 1996 is still my daily player and go-to electric.
The amp I play through is a 1996 Fender DeVille.
Both still sound as great as they day I took them home.
Remember, the best life you’re going to give your child is a healthy life.
Getting them into activities which promote physical and mental growth is key to their health.
Encourage it.
Show interest.
This will inspire.
Remember, the best life you’re going to give your child is a healthy life.
Getting them into activities which promote physical and mental growth is key to their health.
Encourage it.
Show interest.
This will inspire.
