Six Parenting Tips for Supporting Your Teenager’s Musical Ambitions
Six Parenting Tips for Supporting Your Teenager’s Musical Ambitions
In a day and age where so many teens are glued to their phones and do little more than surf the web, parents should absolutely do everything in their power to support their teenagers’ creative aspirations.
Whether your child is an aspiring product or rock star, don’t underestimate your ability to influence your child and foster their love for music. The following six tips can help you support your teen throughout their musical journey and ultimately bring you closer together in the process.
Hook Them Up with the Right Tech
Don’t assume that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to supply your child with the right gear to get started. If your teen already has a personal computer or laptop, they already have more than enough to get started with composing and mixing music. From free recording programs to massive downloadable libraries of samples, the possibilities are seemingly endless given the rise of digital home production.
Give Them Some Privacy…
Especially when your teen is in the early stages of composition or learning an instrument, hovering over them is the last thing that you want to do. Instead, give them with the space to experiment and make errors without embarrassment or judgement. Giving up the garage or office from time to time for the sake of practice or a jam session might be inconvenient but will ultimately support your child’s artistic development.
Remember: musicianship represents a marathon, not a sprint. Even if they never say “thank you” for respecting their privacy, they’ll appreciate the space as they learn the ropes of composition.
…But Ask Them About Their Music
Although performing for you or showing off their recordings might be the last thing they want to do, showing interest by asking reminds your teen that you’re there for them. In a subtle way, this encourages your child to show their music to others and put themselves out there because someone was curious about their art.
Take Them to Performances
Whether it’s a local music festival or an arena show, fostering your child’s interest in music goes far beyond what happens at home. From driving them around band practices to going out of town for a concert, these parental duties represent opportunities to make memories and leave a positive impression on your child.
Don’t Put Pressure on Them
Perhaps this goes without saying, but keep in mind the dangers of pressuring your child. Throw your expectations out the window in terms of your child’s music progress or “how” they should be performing. The importance of your child having a productive, creative hobby is much more important than being a child prodigy.
Let Them Focus on Other Hobbies
Finally, don’t panic if your child begins to focus on other hobbies or areas of improvement beyond the realm of music. After all, teens have a lot on their plates in terms of school and social commitments. It’s okay if music falls to the wayside as long as your child is happy and healthy at the end of the day.
Don’t neglect your role in your child’s journey as a musician. Even if it’s just as a hobby, showing support means the world to your teen even if they never explicitly tell you so.
