Letting Kids be Kids

It's not a secret that I love music - you'll rarely find me without some form of music playing, unless it's because I'm watching TV or in a situation where it's not possible. I also love to sing, but here's the kicker: unless I'm totally alone, I will NOT sing. A friend recently asked me why I don't sing, so I told her the truth, which is as follows:

When I was in middle school, I was asked to join my church's junior choir. I was just a kid - maybe 12 years old - and I enjoyed singing. I still had the gleam of youth that allowed me to think that I wasn't that bad of a singer. Well, my choir director quickly disavowed me of that notion; up until one cold winter Sunday, I enjoyed singing. Our choir director announced that everyone would be singing a solo or a duet...everyone, that was, except for me. I was told that I wouldn't have that opportunity and that it was better for me to just sing very quietly in the back. I was humiliated and embarassed beyond belief. So upset, in fact, that I refused to stay for church that morning. I went home.

Until a few days ago, I'd never told anyone this story. No one. Not my mom, not my friends, not anyone. So, why now? I guess it's because I've noticed all too lately that kids aren't being allowed to be kids. So I was a horrible singer and she didn't want to let me embarass myself by singing without much back-up -- she could have handled it better. Let kids be kids. If they want to sing, don't take that opportunity from them. Just chalk their horrible voices, if they can't carry a tune, up to providing them with a positive childhood experience. Don't judge them at such an early age - they'll get enough of that in school from their peers.

Am I still scarred from this experience? Kind of, I guess. I won't sing in front of anyone except my dog. BUT, I haven't let it stop me from being a total rockstar in my car, in the shower, and in my office if no one is around!