Teens and music—they go together like peanut butter and jelly.

As a mother, I know this better than most. Whether they’re rocking out on the guitar, listening to their favorite tunes, or practicing the saxophone for marching band, teens are drawn to tunes.

That’s a great thing! There are many benefits associated with kids and music:

• Music stimulates brain regions associated with reading, math, and emotional development
• Participating in music at an early age can improve learning ability and memory
• Because it's a skill they can develop alone, playing music can build confidence
• Children who are involved in music learn how to relate to others, which is great for social development

But, the problem is, living with a musician can be a nightmare too. Here are a few tips from my family to yours on how to live with a musician without going crazy.

Support Their Passion

You may not like listening to them practice the same song over and over again on Sunday afternoon when you’d rather be reading a new novel in peace and quiet, but it’s important for you to support their passion.

Encourage them to practice, attend concerts, help them find the best equipment, or purchase their dream instrument for their birthday. Parental support is invaluable to every child.

Set Some Ground Rules

Just because you support their hobby doesn’t mean you should encourage them to play all hours of the day and night.

To make sure you and the rest of your family don’t go crazy because there’s never any peace and quiet in your home, you have to set some ground rules.

That means:

• Setting certain times for acceptable practice, or a cutoff time when practice needs to end in the evening
• Practicing in certain rooms, especially if your child is practicing with a band
• Being clear about acceptable volume levels

Do Whatever You Can to Make Practice Quieter

Setting ground rules is very helpful to living in peace with a musician, but even if they’re following all the rules, you might find yourself wishing they’d put a lid on it already!

You can make their practice sessions quieter. If your child plays a guitar or the keyboard, purchase a high-quality pair of headphones they can wear while they’re practicing.

If they play an instrument that cannot be plugged in, soundproof your home. Plugging leaks around windows and doors can help, as can laying down rugs and hanging heavy curtains on the walls.

If you really want to go above and beyond, consider remodeling your child's room with sheet rock and special glues that can eliminate sound vibrations.

Just remember that it won’t last forever. There will come a day when your budding musician flies from the nest and you’ll actually miss hearing them play in the next room.

Until that day comes, follow these tips to ensure your little rock star doesn’t drive everyone in your house crazy!