What Kindermusik has taught me

Today's topic encompasses a deeply personal subject. One of today's class inspirations for my Village Dewdrops class was "We learn by teaching." I stopped for a moment in my busy morning preparations to reflect upon that statement and what it means to me. For a moment it seemed backwards to me. Don't we teach to learn? And then I had a realization...children teach US!
As a Kindermusik educator, I am constantly surrounded by eager children, ready to learn & follow with joy and enthusiasm for music....most of the time. Sometimes, as with all things in life, something gets thrown my way that I'm not expecting. Wether it's a child who is having a bad day, a student who gets their feelings hurt, or even an unexpected illness or accident that befalls us all at certain times in life. Today I will share my own experience as a mother of a very active toddler & also as an educator. Last week my very active toddler threw an instrument at me & gave me quite a bruiser on my chin during classtime. Wow! That was unexpected!!! It was at that moment that I realized, while grasping on to my chin & trying to "maintain my cool, collected composure" , that I had the opportunity to redirect my own child in a positive manner for others to see. And that's what I did. And we all left class with a smile on our faces. She learned that was inappropriate. Did she mean to hurt me? Of course not! She was eager, excited & having fun. Our job as parents and teachers is to somehow bottle that energy, that whirlwind of excitement and eagerness, and make it useful. So, although it was difficult for me, I'm glad that I was able to "maintain my cool". This past week at home we have had several successes I am proud to share. From the potty to the playground....things are going well! And today I looked at my bruise on my chin and I smiled. I'm glad she was having fun & more than anything I'm so glad she has learned a safety lesson! I feel blessed to have a job I love and an environment where I can embrace my children, their trials and their troubles.
Sometimes life gives us bigger punches we have to handle. The way we react, particularly in the presence of young children, can have a powerful, lasting impression. When those unexpected trials come our way, it is merely a testament to the power of music. Think of all the many times in your life you have been touched by the presence of music....your first dance, a favorite movie scene, a favorite inspirational hymn, a special song at a wedding or funeral....all of these musical elements enhance our lives and turn these moments into memories. That's what Kindermusik has taught me. Life isn't always what we expect...but if we listen closely with our hearts through the bumpy spots, smooth sailing is just around the corner!