What We Teach Our Kids Matters.

This month more so than others, I’ve got these thoughts running through my head in regards to what we teach to our younger generation.

You see, my wife and I are expecting our second child any day now. Even as I write this, she has begun feeling a few contractions and so maybe tonights the night! That being said, I’m feeling like I should get a bit of work done before the party starts.

I feel like the sentence I’m about to use has been over-used and beaten to a pulp but here it goes…”This has been a crazy and unprecedented time”. And while we are in this crazy and unprecedented time, I have been fixated on how we as adults are portraying current events to our kids, teens and students. I’m so fascinated by this because I really believe that we, by our words and actions directly affect how they will treat uncertain times when they get older.

So far, if I can be honest…i have not been stoked.

Here’s the thing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being afraid. It is human nature and acceptable and most of all healthy to have this emotion. What bothers me, is our inability to act in a healthy manner once we experience fear or doubt or uncertainty about our reality.

We as a western culture do not handle fear well in my opinion. We are afraid of so much, and ultimately we are afraid of being out of control, which is exactly where this covid scenario has put us.

So what does this topic have to do with a drum academy’s monthly newsletter update? It has to do with a teacher who is extremely passionate about instilling truth, love and a sense of self-control in his students. It has to do with developing solid relationships in a safe environment where thoughts, feeling and emotions can be shared if wanted.

When I spend time listening to the parents, even 5 or 6 weeks into this pandemic, the number one thing that is portrayed to me is heavy anxiety, worry, doubt and fear. Again, nothing wrong with having these emotions…but friends - what are we going to do about them!?

Chaos in this life is impossible to avoid and what I desire more than ever is to display to our young people how to deal with chaos because I believe that it is in the chaos that we truly grow. I believe that we can teach our young ones that it’s ok to not be in control of everything and It’s ok to be afraid, but it’s very important to not allow that fear to inhabit our being.

I started Bring the Noise Drum Academy because I believed It was a calling on my life to spend time with others. Teaching drums is the vessel, but not necessarily the end goal. Not every student will become a lifelong drummer, but every student can leave feeling loved, heard and valued - hands down.

My hope if you’re reading this is that you understand what I’m trying to say. I’m not a gifted writer by any stretch but I think what I’m saying here is clear.

Let’s band together to show our kids what living in chaos can look like. Even within uncertainty I believe love and community can thrive.

Thanks for reading.