Some children do not naturally develop the drive or self-discipline to practise independently. This is a common challenge in modern life, where attention is constantly pulled in multiple directions. Combined with high academic expectations, it is unsurprising that when children are given free rein over their time, they often gravitate toward easier and more immediately rewarding activities.
However, the process of developing a skill is one of the most valuable investments a child can make in their long-term growth. This applies to music as much as any other discipline.
With that in mind, here are some practical ways to help your child develop their guitar skills effectively.
For the purpose of this post, I am focusing specifically on children under the age of 16.
Set expectations
Practising works best as a consistent expectation rather than something negotiated on a daily basis. Clear structure reduces uncertainty and helps establish practice as part of normal routine.
It is also important to recognise that learning an instrument is a long-term process. The early stages can feel slow, and progress is often less visible than expected. Many students find the first few months the most challenging, as they are building new physical and cognitive skills from the ground up.
During this period, motivation can naturally fluctuate. It is therefore understandable that many children struggle to persist when immediate results are not obvious.
Learning an instrument is also fundamentally different from learning academic subjects. It is not only a process of knowledge acquisition, but also one of physical development. Muscle memory takes time to build, and strong technique can only be developed through consistent, repeated practice.
It is helpful for children to understand this early on.
There is also value in introducing basic planning skills alongside musical development. Time-blocking—scheduling dedicated time for specific tasks—is a simple but highly effective habit that supports both learning and broader life organisation.
Provide structure with autonomy
Children are more likely to follow through with practice when they feel a sense of ownership over their routine.
A practical approach is to agree on a set number of practice days each week while allowing the child to choose which days those are. Once agreed, the plan should be treated as a commitment rather than something open to daily negotiation.
This balance of structure and autonomy helps reduce resistance while still maintaining consistency.
For beginners, short and regular sessions are most effective. A minimum of 5–10 minutes per session, across four days per week, is a realistic and productive starting point.
This approach also helps children develop planning skills and a greater sense of responsibility for their own progress.
Reduce distractions as much as realistically possible
Focused practice is significantly more effective than distracted or fragmented practice. In the early stages, reducing unnecessary distractions can make a substantial difference to consistency and progress.
Mobile phones are often the main source of interruption. Where possible, they should be set to “Do Not Disturb” during practice time. If a device is required for learning resources or tuning, its use should remain strictly relevant to the task.
If a computer is used, any unrelated tabs or applications should be closed before practice begins.
Using a timer can also be helpful. It creates a clear structure for focused work and supports time awareness. When the timer ends, the child can choose whether to continue with another short session or move on to something else. Allowing this decision supports independence and self-regulation.
Over time, these habits help build focus and reduce reliance on external prompts.
Teach and learn twice
One of the most effective ways to strengthen understanding is through explanation.
When children are clear on what they are working on, practice becomes more intentional and productive. Providing clear resources—whether digital or printed—helps support this process.
A useful approach is to ask the child to demonstrate or explain what they are currently working on and what they are trying to improve. Even more effective is asking them to teach a small element of it back to you.
As Jim Kwik has famously said, “If you teach something, you get to learn it twice.”
Trust, respect, love
I think of habit development as a progression that applies not only to routines, but also to how we relate to them over time.
At the beginning, a routine must be established with trust. We need confidence that it will happen consistently before it can become reliable.
Once consistency is established, we begin to respect the routine. It becomes something we take seriously and value as part of the learning process.
Over time, as the benefits become visible, we begin to appreciate it more deeply. Eventually, it becomes something that feels natural and self-sustaining.
At this stage, children often begin to take ownership of their practice. What once required external structure becomes internally motivated, and practice begins to feel like a choice rather than an obligation.
