Did I mention we almost quit piano because David was resisting so hard? This was in the midst of his resisting home rules, school rules, and pretty much anything other than cookies.

We had a nice conversation about being polite to his piano teacher, and he turned it around. We even have a pretty good system for making sure piano practice happens. The kids get t.v. every other day, and they have to practice before their t.v. time. So, it's happening, but I wouldn't say David's 10 minutes of practice is particularly productive. We're lucky if he actually plays his song instead of just switching the electric keyboard from organ to fireworks.

Today, instead of fleeing the room as I often do when he practices, I played with him. I didn't literally play the piano with him. But I asked him to play the piece like he was sneaking up on somebody, like he was a giant, like he was running away. . . He must have practiced that piece a dozen times without even realizing it.

Now, I am not going to suddenly turn into super piano engaged parent and do this every time. I just don't care that much, and I often get the vibe when he's practicing that he wants to be left alone. Like when he says, "Go away, leave me alone." But now that I know he's willing to play this game, we may play again.