School has begun. And so have the homework struggles. My 5th grader informed me tonight that he is a "middle of the pack kind of guy." What is that supposed to mean?! I quickly turned into super-lecture Mommy and explained how he should always try his best, blah blah blah. He then proceeded to explain that he did not want to be teased because he was too smart. What? TOO smart? Ugh! He also said that people get teased for wearing glasses and having braces. Again, lecture mode descended upon me. What do glasses and braces have to do with being too smart? 10 minutes later, and no further progress on the homework, he wandered off with his befuddled mother watching him go. The stinker successfully sucked his super-smart mother into a nonsensical conversation and didn't have to get down to homework business for that much longer... I guess he is TOO smart...

Kids and Music

Why is it that kids love to play the piano, but hate to practice? My son takes piano lessons once a week and is quite good. I remind him to play often, ok, sort of often and he totally avoids the suggestion. I have pretty much refused to take the blame for his non-piano practicing. He is old enough to take responsibility for his non-compliance with extra-curricular activities...wait a minute. I am the one who is paying for all of this! It's a good thing he does do well, even without practice. And he does like his teacher and being at the actual lesson. I do believe music is an essential part of a kid's development so I guess I will put up with the practice issue and continue to pay for lessons. Next year he will be eligible to play saxophone in the school band so I am going to enjoy the smooth sounds of the piano as long as I can!