Growing up, I was lucky to find myself in the center of a musical family. We weren’t exactly the Jackson 5 – or even the Partridge Family, for that matter – but my parents were adamant that each child should learn a musical instrument. The choice was ours as to which instrument we would specialize in, and it was an easy one for me. I wanted to be just like my idols Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. To me, the electric guitar was like some mystical object handed down from the heavens that only a select few virtuosos could truly play correctly
My musical tastes evolved as I got older, of course, but when my son displayed an interest in playing, I quickly bought him a kids electric guitar. These days we share a special bonding experience, playing classic rock standards together. In order to instill some discipline, I have my son play the rhythm parts while I handle the solos. Guitar music transports us to another place and time; for that, I will always owe the electric guitar my allegiance.

If your child is interested in playing the guitar, don’t automatically say “no” just because you think all guitars are expensive. It’s true that adult-sized guitars can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars, but kid-sized guitars are much less expensive – under $100 in some cases. Guitars for kids are much better for kids to learn on anyway, since they are smaller, lighter and every part of the guitar fits their hands. They also come in fun colors, patterns and styles, so you can find one that fits your child’s personality.
If you don’t want to spoil your child by giving him whatever he wants, try a collaborative method of purchasing the guitar. Make a deal with your child that he can “pay” for half by doing a certain amount of chores or by earning money through babysitting or a paper route. This will teach your child about work, responsibility, and earning and managing money, as well as give him a sense of pride in knowing that he earned his guitar. Look into discount kids guitars to find the most reasonable prices to minimize the impact on his workload and your bank account.

In tough economic times, cities and states are forced to make budget cuts, and school budgets are eventually cut as well. One of the first programs that are cut at schools is the music program. Some may see music education as expendable and not important compared to math, science, history and English, but the benefits of music education are valuable beyond book knowledge. Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning and helps develop spatial intelligence. Studies show that kids who study the arts do better on standardized tests, like the SAT, and achieve higher grades in high school.
If your child’s music program has been cut or reduced and they no longer have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument at school, be proactive to ensure that they still get a musical education. Invest in a fun instrument that’s easy to learn how to play: a guitar. There are plenty of guitars for children available to fit your child, and instructional books and simple songs are easy to find at a local store or online. Your child will delight in his or her ability to play music on the guitar, and will reap the benefits of a musical education that they may not have access to at school.
I am a single mother working hard to raise my two sons, (ages 11 and 14). My younger son, Christopher has Attention Deficit Disorder. Finding the time as well as the patience to work with him and parent him can be VERY trying, especially when we all lead such busy lives. It has been an ongoing challenge for years to find interests and hobbies that will not only occupy his time but also hold his attention.
After many attempts at hobbies such as: baseball, karate, and soccer, I FINALLY found the activity that not only holds my son’s attention but also provides skill and discipline while nurturing his own sense of creativity. I discovered his love of electric guitars. And not just any guitar but an electric guitar for kids! He LOVES it and now feels he has more in common with his rock star idols like the Jonas Brothers! I really believe in the importance of helping children harness their passion and feel that music is a wonderful outlet for our youngsters. As a single parent on a budget, I was able to find discount childrens guitars that are high quality and provide a good vehicle for learning to play music.