Hafidha

Hello,
> I was not home schooled and I have often wished I had >learned to play
the piano when I was younger. So, at the age >of 40, I started taking piano
lessons! I love it! I usually >practice about an hour a day and can hardly
walk by the piano >without being drawn to it. My unschooled daughter, on the

>other hand, has no interest at all AT THIS TIME.

I've always wanted to learn piano; my mother, on the other hand, didn't have
much interest in it because she'd had lessons foisted on her from the time she
was a little girl. I'd played viola in elementary school, but there were no
more lessons afterwards. I started taking piano again when I was 17 and it was
available as a class in school. I loved it! I've made plans to take it up again
shortly.

>My point is, learning isn't something to be accomplished while >you are a child
and then you go live your "real" life. We are >all "unschooling" from the day
we are born until the day
>we die. First and foremost, I want my daughter to enjoy >learning and to find
the things in life that bring her joy and >passion.

I totally agree!

-Hafidha

[email protected]

In a message dated 4/16/00 10:38:27 AM Central Daylight Time, hafidha@...
writes:

<>

Hafidha,
I have a young son ( 5yo) that is also very shy. Looking back,
is there anything that ,in your opinion, would have helped you with your
shyness? Do you think your parents could have or should have handled things
differently, so that you would maybe have been more comfortable in new
situations? I remembered being extremely shy as a child, and I definitely
did not want to be pushed into anything, and I don't want to push my child
too much, either; however, sometimes he needs that encouragement... to find
out that things can be fun to do. Yesterday we went to an Easter egg hunt.
Before we left to go, my little boy expressed how he was scared. I told him
that we were going to go ahead and go, and that he could see what it was like
when we got there, and that if he decided that he did not want to do it, that
he did not have to. Well, he ended up taking part,and enjoying it, so I was
happy for him, but the shyness is something we have to deal with continually.
So, if you, or anyone else, would have any thoughts on dealing with shyness,
I'd like to hear them. Thanks in advance!
Karen--in Ind

Anita Bower

> I have a young son ( 5yo) that is also very shy.
>

Sounds like you handled it well--providing encouragement and your
reassuring presence, taking just one step at a time, going andletting him
decide then.

My son was somewhat shy or clingy. We did much what you do. He has
gradually gotten over it. He still does better in smaller groups than in
large groups. He took steps as he was ready.

Anita
Oxford School District
"There are many will claim to tell you what is due from you, but only one
who can shear through the many, and reach the truth. And that is you, by
what light falls for you to show the way." Brother Cadfael in "The Devil's
Novice" by Ellis Peters.