Since we’ve moved into our house, my son and I have grown a lot closer. It’s been exciting for me, and even more so because we’ve begun the process of me adopting him. Like most families, we get into our daily routine and sometimes it can be kind of a boring rut, especially for a child. So recently I was trying to come up with new fun ways that my son and I can bond together and spend quality time. For kids it doesn’t really matter a lot of times what you do, just that you do it with them. They love to just spend time with you and be around you. It’s that simplicity that really amazes me about children. They’re so smart and by seeing things on such a basic level, are really wise beyond their years.
Anyway, I decided that I would buy my son and I guitars and that we’d learn to play together. I love music, and used to make it myself when I was younger. I never learned or used a guitar however (my music was more of the hip hop and electronic variety), so it’s an interesting change for me. Why the guitar you say? Well my son is very interested in it since his uncle plays, and being 5 years old he just thinks it would be fun. So I went down and got us our guitars (starter ones of course) and an instructional DVD that we could watch and learn with together. My son was so excited about it and was instantly drawn to playing.
Being that he’s so young he soaks up everything like a sponge. Playing an instrument not only stimulates your mind and learning abilities, but also your hand eye coordination and imagination. It also helps him with his focus as it’s a lot harder to get distracted when you’re so involved in something. For kids, that’s hard to come by and a tough lesson to learn sometimes. I’m excited to introduce him to that love of music that I’ve always had. Even if it’s not something he wants to pursue long term, it will always be something that we’ll share together.
The benefits of learning guitar has really been three-fold for us. It allows us to spend quality time together bonding as father and son, we get to learn how to play a great instrument and expand our musical abilities, and it has served as a great motivator for my son. He knows that he only gets to play guitar when he behaves and does well in school, and he’s really responded. He always does well anyway, but every kid gets distracted and likes to talk and play when they’re not supposed to. Since getting the guitar he’s been on his best behavior because he wants to play and learn so bad. It’s really been a wonderful thing that has brought us closer, and will continue to over time.
I’d love to hear some of your experiences and how you’ve bonded with your kids as well. You can never have too many great ideas when it comes to family time.
