Every teacher has what we call  “kinder moments”- when a previously quiet or shy child comes out of their shell and delights the teacher and parent by jumping in.  But what about the other Kindermusik moment......... when no matter what you try, your child is cranky, difficult, and just not into it?  As not only a Kindermusik educator, but a Kindermusik parent, I’ve been on both sides of scenario #2.  As a teacher, I always feel completely unfazed and ready to help the parent work through whatever challenge their child is facing.  As a parent..............I was MORTIFIED!  How could MY child be acting this way?  Here are some tips from both of me, teacher and mom, to help you get through it!

Teacher Tips

Kindermusik IS NOT a performance class- we don’t expect your child to be quiet or sit still for 45 minutes.  (I can’t even do that!)

Your child is not “wrecking” the class- (I promise).

Please don’t leave mid-class- give the teacher a chance!  Often we can turn around a rough moment,  and it passes.  (I know it’s hard- tough it out.)

You’re thinking about skipping class next week-but don’t!  Your teacher loves your child, misses you both when you’re not in class, and wants you back.  (We don’t spend one minute worrying about a rough class- neither should you.)

Parent Tips

I’m not thinking anything except how glad I am that it’s not my child this week............. (and that it COULD be my child next week!)

Come early the next class and let your child play a little before class starts....... (I call it “settling in” time.)

Try a snack and drink in the car before class if possible........... your child will be more ready for class..........(and less focused on the goodies in the diaper bag!)

If your child always falls asleep in the car on the way to class, try to build in some wake up/change gears time into your commute..................(It’s hard to be cheerful when you first get up, and your child has to do it without coffee, LOL!) 

     None of these tips are magic- you could do every single one, and still have a challenging Kindermusik class with your child.  The best advice of all is to remember that, like adults, kids can have a “bad hair day” too.  (On the whole, who do you know that is happy every single day?)  So if it happens- let it go and “fugetaboutit”.  I promise you............. the rest of us already have!    

Kelly Hunt
Kindermusik Educator & Emily, Charlene, and Audry’s Mom