Please do not teach your own child, I taught my sons to play guitar without any success.

When I think of raising children I picture a child when they first start to walk. If you keep holding them they never learn to walk. If you allow them to struggle and explore and only reach for them when it is really needed you then give their best possibility of success.

After owning a Music School with over 400 students I found the best students, the most successful were the ones who were left to their own direction. That in no way says that we stop supporting them, helping them. As a youngster I wanted to play the sax -- my Dad decided I should play a trumpet because my two front teeth were slightly bucked. Ahhhhhhh, my desire for the sax has not left me and after four different tries I still play a not-so-good trumpet.

James, listen to her carefully I am sure you will hear her heart. I call that really loving your child.

IMHO, John C.