Children save their resistance for the people they feel safest with: their parents. It is normal, but it can make home practice exhausting.
Why it happens
- With a teacher, there is a clear structure and authority.
- With parents, children test boundaries.
- Corrections from a parent can feel like criticism.
Change your role
| Teacher’s role | Your role |
|---|---|
| Teach new material | Make time and space for practice |
| Correct mistakes | Listen and praise effort |
| Set the home task | Tick the chart when it’s done |
| Check progress | Celebrate milestones |
Practical steps
- Ask the teacher for a specific home task each lesson.
- At home, say “Show me your task”, not “Let’s practise”.
- Don’t correct: note anything unclear and tell the teacher.
- Ask the teacher to check the task at the start of each lesson.
Other helpers
An older sibling, grandparent or relative on a video call can listen to practice instead of you. Many children cooperate better with someone other than a parent.
Teacher’s tip: say “Your teacher will be so pleased” rather than “I want you to”. Children work harder for the teacher’s approval, so use it.
