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...Should Students Be Involved with Studio Finances?.... (One Thought Thursday 023)
"I never accept money from a student's hand." Those words were spoken to me early in my teaching career by a seasoned mentor. Her perspective was this: Children should not be involved in their parents' financial matters. In contrast, I've encountered many studio families over the years who believe the polar opposite. They will go out of their way to make sure the student is involved. I've seen parents write a check, then very intentionally hand it to the student, so they could pass it to me. The message? "I pay for this. I am invested." I'm fascinated by the strength of the passion behind these commitments, and I'm curious to learn your thoughts on the matter. As I've discussed, money is personal. Everyone has their own perspective on the subject, which is fueled by their unique experience as a child and beyond. We've ALL had studio families who use their financial investment as a tool, right? "I'm paying for these lessons, so you need to hold up your end of the bargain and PRACTICE." (more bluntly...) "You're wasting my money." (or, even kindly...) "You're worth every penny I spend on you." Perhaps you - as the teacher - have even tried to reason with a student using their parents' financial backing: "Mom and dad are paying for these lessons and they expect us to make progress!" I'm wondering today if there is a better way. I'm keenly aware today's youth face their own plethora of stressors. Adding burdens to their plate that are not-exactly-age-appropriate can result in actions we don't see coming. For example: If a student senses financial insecurity in their home, they may actually disengage from their instrument because they feel guilty for "spending family money". A parent's good intentions of showing sacrifice and investment may lead sensitive children to feel like a burden (and they won't discuss those feelings because, well, THAT would be a burden). At the same time - putting on my Parenting Hat - my children need to understand their access to these types of activities are a great privilege. They need to know we have limited resources and must be intentional about where our dollars go. They need to understand the expectations of their role in the lesson experience. So, as it usually does, the Middle Road appears to be the solution here. Additionally - as I mentioned earlier this week - there are many ways of demonstrating our investment in children that don't involve money. I'd love to know your thoughts about how involved/aware students should be with their parents' financial investment in lessons. Hit that REPLY button and tell me any boundaries you've considered or set when it comes to this matter. If 1,000 people read this letter, I imagine I'd be met with 1,000 different opinions. Money is personal, and we've all lived a different financial story. I hope I've inspired you to consider how your past has influenced your present perspective. ☺️ 🥂May we all take occasional moments to consider the impact of our personal relationship with finances. Here, here. 🥂
Other Ways I Can Help You:NOW: Hit that REPLY button and tell me your thoughts on students and studio finances. Onward and upward toward using motivational strategies that work as intended!🥂 Want to check out PAST One Thought Thursdays? Find the Archives Here. *This email may contain affiliate links. That's just smart business, but please know all recommendations are purely my own, and are absent of any icky ulterior sales motives. |
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Christina Whitlock, Beyond Measure Podcast
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