Freedom...
Parenting is so frightfully stressful...
From the time I wake up each morning, my heart pounding in my chest, until long after the munchkins are tucked up in their sweet beds, I am completely stressed out. I long to feel secure that I am making the right decisions regarding my darlings' welfare, but at times it seems that simply everything is slipping out of control. I could spend my days cowering in a corner, taking deep breaths into a brown paper bag.
I am aware that my poppets must be afforded the freedom to grow, to explore and acquire new skills in order to flourish. It is so damn difficult to determine when is the right time to loosen the reins and allow them a little more freedom. Every decision I make is so stressful, they are my babies after all.
I knew that this day would come, when I would be forced to step back a little… Yesterday afternoon without warning, perfect Freya announced that she would like to take violin lessons (...gasp!).
I realise that it is imperative for the tot to learn to play a musical instrument to Grade 8 if she is to eventually gain a place at a Russell Group University (sniff), but what if this is all too soon (the tiny infant is not yet five years old). Perfect Freya is still so very impressionable. I would hate for her to develop a genuine passion for music, to discover an aptitude and find herself irresistibly drawn to a musical career. She could find herself chasing the dragon and injecting crystal menthe like Amy Whitehouse and Pete Doherty or speaking in a a dreadful accent like Nigel Kennedy. She could even end up living in poverty, playing the French horn for the London Symphony Orchestra OHMYGOD!
Have you noticed the state of the stock market? A girl can't rely on her trust fund you know. Now where did I put the Rescue Remedy?
17 comments:
On the contrary - she might form a rock violin group along the lines of Bowfire and then run away with Michael Flatley. Sorted for life she'd be!
It's never to early to start them on the path for that musical scholarship! She'd hardly be the first Dulwich girl to do violin pre-5.
I don't think Kennedy ever got done for drug use, and he's the only violinist (dare I say musician?) you've mentioned.
Darling Dulwich Mum, seeing as my own 4 year old is still unable to grasp the recorder I think you could be onto a winner here. Think Vanessa Mae. Freya could earn a fortune and keep you in your retirement (which I appreciate is a long way off yet.)
Darling Expatmum,
Isn't Michael Flatley that dreadful man with the bleeched hair and flouncey shirts? OHMYGOD!
Sweet Macker,
I am afraid that in my blind panick I did not explain my problem with Mr Kennedy - he who had a perfect public shool boy accent until he decided that it would grab him more attention to speak like a shop assistant from Greggs the baker on Norwwood Road - the shame!
Perfect Ingenious,
You always manage to make me feel better (sniff).
And look at Myleene Klass! Okay, so she was in a failed pop group before she rediscovered her classical beginnings and now look at her! From the Australian Jungle to celebrity yummy mummy status!
DM, I played the violin for 8 years. Granted, I've only made it as far as South Ken rather than Dulwich, but life's not all bad... However, a word of warning - if you let her do this, buy earplugs. About 5 year's supply....
And buy a warm coat. My brother has decided he would like to learn to play the violin now that he is in his 50's. (you see - 5 something is the obvious number)
It gives him goosebumps and he has to wear a coat.
Perfect Nunhead Mum of One,
What are you thinking sweetie? OHMYGOD! I could not bear to even entertain the thought of my child entering the X Factor!
Sweet Potty Mummy,
Ear plugs at the ready! Thank you.
Lovely Aims,
Would it be in bad taste to opt for mink?
If Nigel Kennedy wasn't taking drugs, then what exactly is his excuse?
Darling NumberOneScumMum,
You and I understand eachother perfectly dear heart!
Absolute not! I have 2 - brand new - left over from our store than I'm selling for cheap!!
Yes well, we could just gloss over that part of her climb to stardom. Unless you still want to meet Simon Cowell?
Dearest DM,
suggest the Harp, it sounds beautiful even when the notes are wrong.
Mind you, my daughter had lessons from The Royal Harpist(!), and gave up after a year because it was 'a bit boring' - sob!
My daughter learnt the violin at Freya's age and I can assure you that she is not on the way to rock stardom, drugs, re-hab or the LSO!
Mind you, unless you invest in the lifetime supply of earplugs then maybe you might need re-hab in the near future....
I majored on her learning to read music rather than being a solo violinist - just another language after all; and the violin group were so delightful - brought tears to my eyes when they little sweeties performed (but that could have been something to do with the pain in my ears!).
As long as it's not the bassoon. Anything but the bassoon. Take this from one who knows. Personally I recommend the paper bag over the head route - it allows me to remain anonymous in the staff room.
Oh dulwichmum..
The humility of telling someone one's daughter plays in the orchestra..pah!
If you'd like, you could check out my new blog, I play the violin, you could see how well I turned out!
Freedom to grow! I don't think that's in the Constitution?
Cheers
Post a Comment