Would you prefer for your child to play sports or a musical instrument?

[Anonymous]

I agree that the answer will mostly be shaped by your own childhood experiences. I was put through eight years of hardcore music instruction between ages 7 to 15. Wanted to quit a few times but was forced to stay with it, and must say am hugely grateful to my Mom for making me stick with it (as in, sit down by the piano for two hours and forbidden to get up before you're done with practice sort of thing. That's just the way we do things.)

Twenty years later, I'm left with deep appreciation and love of music that develops as I age. Really can't imagine getting that type of joy from anywhere else.

Sports, on the other hand, were not a big part of my routine. But you know what, I joined a gym for the 1st time at age 25 and successfully developed into a muscle-bound goddess. I guess what I'm saying is that music requires so much training and discipline that it's better to start it young. Music also opens so many cognitive doors and teaches you lots of history and art without even trying. I really don't see practicing piano for 2 hours at age 30. Exercise you can pick up at any age and get good at it. I say this as someone who began figure skating at age 27.