"Tap your sticks, tap your sticks, tap your sticks!"

Naturally, parents often tell their children what to do in Kindermusik class. I know that it is hard to believe but I have seen it over and over that the best way to encourage your child to participate is to do it yourself! Parental example is more powerful than telling children what to do in Kindermusik or anywhere else. When parents are disinterested, their children wander and follow suit. When parents don't want to participate and choose not to, their children usually do the same. The kids who have the most fun and learn the most in Kindermusik are those who have very active parents who model the behavior for each activity without telling the child what to do. Now, your child may choose to do something different, using hisor her own creativity, but by your participation you are saying to your child: "This is fun. This is important. It is worth the effort". Honestly, Kindermusik Village and Our Time are not good matches for parents who just want to sit back in class and watch their children interact with me. It rarely works out well when this is the case because I am not the center of attraction at Kindermusik: your child is!!! We all come to Kindermusik for the children! Besides, it is really fun for adults especially when you just let go of your inhibitions, play, and let out your own inner child!! So, let's change the old saying to: "Do as I do, not as I say!"