Music is a passion of mine and I love to sing. I have been a part of school and church choirs and groups for as long as I can remember. Ben loves music and singing as well and from a very early age, it was easier for him to memorize things that were set to music than any other form. The hard thing was, if he learned something wrong, it was very difficult to correct it to the right words. One thing he did not like was if I was singing along! It was very hard to hear him say over and over again "No singing mommy!" It kind of hurt my feelings!
Ben started singing in the school choir in 4th grade and as he was always tall for his age ended up on the back row every time. During one particular concert, I would see him singing with full gusto and then he would disappear down behind the back row. This happened quite a few times so I asked him about it after the concert to which he replied "My ankles were itchy!"
I remember a similar incident where my niece was performing in a choir and then stopped singing altogether. When her mom asked what happened, she replied "My tooth fell out in my mouth and I didn't know what to do so I just kept it in there!"
Ben enjoyed being a part of the theater productions in middle and high school and being in the chorus and the select men's chorus as well. Being able to participate in the things he loved helped him feel included during these formative school years. He was separated so much academically that it really helped make him feel a part of the school by participating in the things he loved. He also learned some hard and valuable lessons like, not getting the part in the school play that he auditioned for but we taught him to sing "You can't always get what you want!" Thankfully, there were other productions that he was a part of and enjoyed fully.
Encourage your child's passion, whether it is art, music, sports or drama. They will learn how to be a part of a group, enjoy the positives and learn from the negatives.
Love you more,
Mom
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