Parenting Cents

You may recall our 5-year-old’s purchase of a ukulele back in early July.  M was very proud to put her $54 in cash on the counter and take home her new instrument.  She had visions of taking lessons like her sister, G, does for her electric guitar.  M had saved up her commission money, achieved her goal, and was very satisfied with herself.  But before she could sign up for lessons (for which her parents would pay), her dad (that’s me!) gave her one requirement.  She had to work with her sister to learn to play one simple song.  Once she played that song for her dad, the lessons would be arranged.

Here we are, nearly two months later, and I haven’t heard my song yet.  The ukulele has been taken out of its case, maybe, half a dozen times, and always for a very short duration.  On the other hand, the electric keyboard I bought when I was about 11 or 12 years old has been getting plenty of playing time.  M announced recently that she would like to take piano lessons.  Given the choice between lessons on the ukulele versus the piano, she wants to take the piano lessons.

The seemingly wasted ukulele purchase doesn’t bother me.  It was her money.  She set a goal, worked toward it, and achieved it.  The fact that the goal wasn’t quite as interesting as she thought it might be doesn’t take away from the fact that she achieved it.  I always thought that the ukulele was just something she wanted to have to be like her sister.  It actually makes me feel good that she is showing some independence by wanting to play piano, something in which her sister has never shown interest.  Besides, I’m interested in learning to play guitar, so I’m thinking I can borrow the ukulele to get started. 

If I would have laid out the cash for the ukulele, I’d be irritated that she hasn’t even given it much of a chance.  I’d be on her case to practice, have her signed up for lessons, and would generally drive her to hate it.  Not fun.  But since it was her money and her decision, it eases the pressure from me.  Who knows – she may eventually decide to play it some more when she’s ready.  In the meantime, we’ll try piano lessons.