Nerves? What nerves?

I have officially mellowed.

I’m sitting and waiting while my youngest daughter (15) is taking her grade 10 piano exam, writing with pen on paper, still resisting the devices and services which would enable internet access anytime, anyplace.

As mother and teacher, I’ve had double my share of nerves at these times, but it’s become easier. Much.

The first time my son had a piano exam (actually, for all the piano exams he ever took), my stomach was doing unbelievable cartwheels. We were ridiculously early, I had checked and double-checked and triple-checked to make sure the music and forms were in order, and during the exam I stood with my ear glued to the door, playing every note and breathing after every phrase with him.

By the 3rd kid, I’ve relaxed (proof of all that birth order stuff). This came as a rather pleasant surprise a bit earlier today when we were about to leave and I realized I still hadn’t filled in the form. And that I had trusted her to get all the music together and tagged. And that we would be no more than 15 minutes early, which is what’s required.

I’ve been around this block a few times by now. I’m more confident in the teaching and exam prep, as well as their abilities to perform. The world doesn’t end if they play a wrong note or two.

Oh. I hear her fugue. Way too fast. Holding my breath…

Image: north toronto cat rescue

Related articles: Double the nerves; Teaching your own children