When Parents Fall into the Trap of “Gentle Education”

My experience as a flute teacher in China

Many parents emphasize the importance” of “persisting nice,” envisioning their children developing resilience, discipline, and aesthetic appreciation through sustained musical practice. The initial intention behind this is commendable; parents do not necessarily expect their children to become professional musicians but aim to instill valuable life skills such as determination, patience, and refined aesthetic sensitivity. However, concerns about causing excessive stress or damaging children’s confidence often lead parents toward an overly gentle, low-expectation educational approach. Despite seeming nurturing and supportive on the surface, this approach inadvertently becomes a significant barrier to actual, meaningful growth and long-term development.

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Persist doesn’t equal genuine growth

While persistence is vital, genuine growth requires more than just repetition — it demands continuous adaptation, embracing new challenges, and constantly pushing beyond existing limits. If parents and educators provide only positive reinforcement without constructive criticism, children remain unaware of their shortcomings, preventing genuine improvement. The constructive criticism, the guidance, empowers parents and educators…