Hi, all,
I have currently teaching a young 7-year-old boy. Before me, he has just finished an ABRSM practical exam in grade 3, where he gets a good pass of 117 points.
However, the mother did make fuss on the 3-more-point-to-get-the-merit stuff, and instantaneously she asks me to move on to grade 4.
So, yesterday I sit down and have a talk to her, asking her why is the reason to rush the kids. Of course some strange reasons are given.
You see, the mother currently is taking grade 6 under my friend. She has another 8yr old son, who is also doing the grade 6 syllabus as the mother

. Both of them are aiming for upcoming march practical exam. (I am not teaching the elder son, so I have no idea how good he is.)
I suggest the mother to let the younger son to take one year off from exam (actually I am thinking of 2 year off), which I think would have quite turned off to her. Later she wrote me a long email, citing several reasons on her approach to her sons:
Firstly, she cited financial concern. As she reasoned out if she can speed the sons, finishing the exam as quick as possible (her ideda of "finishing" is by passing the grade

, she could have save a handsome money. Moreover, she is just a housewife, and her husband is working in a church related organization (means, not so well off).
Secondly, as she stated her elder is very talented, she doesn't want the younger to have too much gap in between them. That's why she wants the younger to sort of chase up with his brother.
Of course, she mentionsa lot more (it is a loong email).
Frankly, I personally feel very sorry to the kids. As I strongly believe in setting long term goals. There is my concern on the physical developement, the mental stress the kids may be facing. I cited that when you plant a tree, you simply gotto wait for the tree to grow.
in fact, I have been mentally prepared for the worst case scenario, which she just change the son to another teacher. By the way, how can I put forward my message without hurting the mother?
Will appreciate to hear some advice frrom you guys, ,thanks