In response to my idea of teaching a preschool music class at my home, I’ve mostly received two reactions: “What? Are you crazy? Don’t you have enough to think about with three kids that young?” or “You must have it all together to manage that on top of everything else.” Don’t worry. I am neither crazy, nor do I have it all together. There’s a reason for my plan, and I’m going to share it.

First, I’m happier when I’m busier, and so are my kids. They fight for sport when there’s nothing else to do. Adding a little structure is probably a good thing, and my children like music. The problem with going to a class is that the class takes money (lots of money for a preschool music program), and I have no control over… many things (music, other children, other parents, etc.).

This is also one way of teaching a few lessons about friends. One strategy of very conservative parents (of which I am one) is to isolate their children completely from unsaved peers. I am not unaware of the damage that can be done by ungodly friends. Even other “Christian kids” (from conservative backgrounds) can pose problems, according to the Bible. At such a young age, my children are particularly vulnerable. At the same time, I do want to teach my children to be salt to their peers, and learn to choose good friends. We’ve already had some opportunities to talk about friends based on our trips to library storytime (Luke is a good friend because he loves God, Who else would make a good friend? why? Who would make a bad friend? why?) The music class is my way of allowing a group of children over in a very structured environment. The structure is important. I probably wouldn’t allow this same group of kids to play unsupervised in the backyard week after week, for example.

The location (at my house) is beneficial to me, not because I’m a good housekeeper, but because this is an area where I struggle. Having a date on the calendar forces me to clean up, every room in the house, all at once. This is no small task, but as I type, my house is reasonably clean and will be moreso by late morning when everyone comes. Please don’t peek in my laundry room, though. And we’ll have mac and cheese from a box tonight. I know my limits.

This is also one way I can get to know ladies in the community. This music class is a big deal to women, and I could easily do this full-time based on the response without even advertising officially. I want to be salt and light myself, and this is one way I can develop relationships with women that I might otherwise not interact with in the same way. I can interact with these moms better when it’s at my house (as opposed to the library where staying afterwards might stretch our chidlren beyond their capabilities).

There are many ways to accomplish these same goals. One of my sisters-in-law takes her girls to a monthly American Girls meeting at the local Barnes & Noble. Others schedule playgroups. Even going to a local playground provides opportunities to meet other people. I suspect that as my children get older, my method will change to match their interests and development.

We’ll see how it all works. I’ve never done anything like this, and I’m nervous. That’s a good thing, because it will send me back to my God inasmuch as I depend on him for my very breath.

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