yesterday, i made my 14 y.o. student cry at the piano lesson. it's been awhile since i made a student cry. honestly, it wasn't my fault. he's just very emotional. i've been teaching this kid since he was 5. needless to say, we've developed a special bond and due to that, sometimes he thinks just anything would fly: nuh-uh. whether we're close or not, i'm still his teacher and i made a point of that. a case in point:

boy: "why do i have to repeat it? i already did it"
me: "because that's practicing - AS YOU KNOW. do it again from that line"
boy: "why?"
me: boy, do it again
boy: "i don't wanna do it again. i've already done it"
me: do it again
boy: "WHATEVER"
me: okay, boy, i guess you don't need my guidance. i'm leaving
boy: "what?!?! why??" *starts to cry*
me: why are you crying? obviously, you don't need my teaching. you think i'm putting you through torture for no reason but to spite you. so you don't need my abuse
boy: "no...i'm sorry..."
etc.

so i didn't leave. he said he'd feel worse if i left. after the lesson, it was as if nothing happened. sunny disposition again. all that teenage hormones gone away.

sigh - i can't wait to be a parent..
NOT!!!!!!!!