How to get your child to practice--without resorting to violence

This parenting guide offers practical strategies for transforming music practice from a daily battle into a positive learning experience, providing concrete techniques for motivating young musicians without conflict. Richards draws from both child psychology and real-world teaching experience to address common practice resistance, offering parents specific language and approaches that respect both the child's feelings and the need for consistent musical development. The book systematically breaks down how to create effective practice routines, set achievable goals, and use positive reinforcement that actually works with elementary and middle school aged children. Parents will find immediately applicable methods for turning frustrating practice sessions into productive, even enjoyable, moments of musical growth.

What sets this resource apart is its empathetic understanding of why children resist practice and its refusal to offer one-size-fits-all solutions, instead providing adaptable frameworks for different personality types and learning styles. The author's tone remains consistently supportive rather than judgmental, acknowledging the real challenges parents face while maintaining focus on building the child's intrinsic motivation and love for music. Families struggling with practice motivation will discover not just temporary fixes but sustainable approaches that nurture musical development while preserving parent-child relationships, making this an invaluable addition to any musical household's library.