Practicing a musical instrument is fun, but it can also be hard work. Perhaps your child is attempting to play a new piece and it seems tricky, or part of a song is difficult to master. When children become discouraged, even non-musical parents can help put them right back on track. Sometimes, all it takes is a kind word or phrase to help your kid love practicing music. Bolster your child’s confidence by using one of the following encouraging phrases each time he practices:
1. I can tell you’ve been working hard!
2. You are just great!
3. You did a wonderful job!
4. I’m so glad I got to hear that!
5. Terrific!
6. Your hard work is paying off!
7. I love to hear you play!
8. That was fabulous!
9. You did that better than I could have ever done!
10. Way to go!
11. Awesome!
12. I’m so proud of you!
13. You can do anything!
14. Thank you for sharing that!
15. You should be proud of yourself!
16. Look at your improvement!
17. You seem to really enjoy music.
18. Look how far you’ve come!
19. You really put a smile on my face!
20. That’s coming along nicely!
21. You really worked it out!
22. Such a very thorough job!
23. That’s what we call perseverance!
24. I can tell you really care.
25. You make it look easy!
26. You’ve really got the hang of it!
27. Perfect! I love it!
28. You really have what it takes!
29. It’s just like you to impress me like this!
30. What a gift!
31. You are getting better and better all the time!
Even beginning performers benefit from the support of an appreciative audience. Try using one phrase each day for a month, and see if it doesn’t put a smile on your child’s face!