Why Kids Resist Practicing — and What Actually Helps

Uh oh — it’s that time again. Practice time.

But instead of heading to the piano, your child is digging in their heels. They want to ride their new bike. A friend is coming over soon. There’s a show on TV they’ve been waiting to watch. Sound familiar?

Sometimes It’s Just a Distraction

In many cases, resistance to practice isn’t about music at all — it’s just a momentary distraction. When this happens, it’s perfectly okay to let your child enjoy the activity they’re excited about first. Then, before the day ends, gently bring them back to the piano to complete their routine.

More often than not, they’ll return willingly. And they’ll feel great knowing they got to do both — have fun and stay on track with their music.

But What If Practice Refusal Lasts for Days?

If your child’s resistance stretches out over several days, it may be time to look a little deeper.

Often, this kind of pushback happens when your child is facing a new piece. One that’s harder. One that hasn’t yet clicked in their mind. And to them, it feels like a mountain they can’t climb.

What to Say When They Say, “I Don’t Like Piano Anymore”

When those dreaded words come out, don’t panic — and definitely don’t call to cancel lessons just yet. Instead, try asking:

“Why?”

It might take some patience and a few follow-up questions, but eventually your child might say something like:

“It’s too hard.”

“I don’t get the new song.”

“It’s not fun anymore.”

These responses are incredibly common — and very normal. The key here is to validate their feelings:

“I understand that you're frustrated. It's totally okay to feel that way when you're learning something new!”

Then follow up with encouragement:

“Your teacher and I believe in you. We know you can learn this — don’t give up!”

That combination of empathy and belief can be a powerful motivator.

Rethink Practice Time

If resistance continues, take a look at the practice schedule itself.

Ask yourself: Is the session too long for their age or attention span?

Sometimes a simple adjustment makes a big difference. If your child is practicing for 30 minutes a day, try cutting it down to 15. Still a struggle? Try 10. Even 5 minutes a day can be incredibly effective, especially for younger children. As a teacher, I can confidently say: five minutes of focused practice is better than 30 minutes of frustration.

The Bigger Picture: Why It’s Worth It

Learning an instrument is more than just a skill — it’s a journey of growth. Music builds confidence, supports social and motor development, and nurtures emotional intelligence. Most importantly, music is a lifelong gift.

As Plato once said:

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

So when practice feels hard, remember: it’s okay to be flexible. Stay supportive. And keep the bigger picture in view — one note at a time.

*Want to know some other benefits of playing piano?? Check out this link: 10 Benefits of Playing the Piano