Rite of Passage | Powerful Inspiration for a Hard Day of Parenting

This week we went to our middle school band concert. What I experienced in that auditorium was powerful inspiration for a hard day of parenting and the inevitable challenges that life brings. Far from our expectations, real life is much more aligned with the simple realities of beginning band.

The Beginning Band

From the first note of the first song during the concert, that auditorium was full of smiles. I’m sure there were a few raised eyebrows with the beginning band’s song, but as the kids played it reminded me of The Music Man.

You know that scene when the boys’ band finally plays the “Minuet in G” for the first time? And as the trumpets blare and off-beat instruments fill the breaks, the parents one by one stand and shout, “That’s my Barney! That tuba’s my Barney!” “That’s Eddie! That’s Eddie’s clarinet!” “Linus, play to me, son. Play to me!”

Our auditorium was filled with the same kind of energy.

The Auditorium

Between songs, the band teacher shared how proud he was of these students. “How many of you had never read a staff before this semester?” he asked. Most of the band students’ hands went up. “And how many of you can read a staff now?” All the hands went up.

When the beginning band finished their songs, the advanced bands waiting for their turn to perform gave the beginning students a rousing standing ovation.

The parents, the director, the advanced students, everyone recognized this beginning band’s accomplishment.

It’s a rite of passage.

A Rite of Passage

Old McDonald played slightly too loud and a little out of sync. The missed beats and off notes. The nerves of the very first concert ever.

I don’t think anybody didn’t notice, but nobody chose to focus on the volume or held back applause because the beat wasn’t quite right. No one pointed out the kids that were off pitch.

The supporters in that auditorium felt the joy of progress for those kids. And the kids looked like they felt it too.

It was amazing.

And I think we could all use a little more “beginning band-ness” in our lives.

Inspiration for a Hard Parenting Day

The mistakes, the messiness, the hard emotions. The efforts that feel like failure. They’re all a rite of passage. It’s the required path of progress. They’re nothing to hide or feel embarrassed or ashamed about.

But sometimes we forget. We nag the kids for that one E flat they keep missing, instead of focusing on all the other notes they’re playing right. And we’re especially hard on ourselves. Because we don’t play the song of life perfectly, we shrink with feelings of inadequacy.

So, my invitation today is to consider one way you can treat your kids and yourself a little more like the beginning band. Do you recognize how far you’ve come? Can you smile at a mistake, knowing the whole flawed experience is a rite of passage? Can you feel proud of hard work, even when parts of the outcome represent failure? Will you?

Know that I’m giving you a rousing standing ovation.

Simplify Your Parenting Life

On hard parenting days, it feels like the hard will never end. But, whether it’s a difficult stage for one of your kids, things are emotionally or physically exhausting right now, or you’re feeling completely overwhelmed with all that’s required of you, know that you can move forward on your path of progress. And you don’t have to do this parenting thing alone.

Join the thousands of families in the Lovin’ Life with Littles community and simplify your parenting life TODAY.

I share practical tips for reclaiming your time and taking control of your home life, powerful principles that allow us to progress as a parent and person, and priceless ideas for strengthening family relationships. Plus, you never know; I might just show up in your inbox with inspiration for a hard day of parenting right when you need it most.

PS- What’s a way you or your kiddos have made progress recently? Share in the comments, and I’d love to celebrate with you!

PPS- If you want to watch that classic scene from The Music Man, you can see it HERE.

Want More Inspiration for a Hard Parenting Day?

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• 3 Things That Simplify Parenting Life
• When You Just Can’t Do It All…Hope for the Stressed Out Parent
• 3 Powerful Steps when You Feel Totally Overwhelmed

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