Have been asked by Beth's piano teacher whether we want her to sit the AMEB Grade 2 this year.

It's 4 months to year-end, Nov is the latest available slot and NONE of Miss B's exam pieces are in a state to be presented to the examiner.

If I say she's not ready and put this off to 2012, I'll feel like I'm letting her off easy. She has been fighting to take piano and AMEB off her to-do list, and we've been resisting because we believe music is a non-negotiable part of her learning journey.

If I say she'll be ready, it will have to be because Miss B herself agrees to commit to put in the hours and takes ownership of the process of getting from half-baked to perfectly polished.

The carrot we've offered is a holiday at RACV Royal Pines Resort in Jan, because that's her big ask.

And we've explained that a big ask has to be earned by a big effort, which means a great attitude, consistent practice and an A+ for the exam.

Miss B has said yes to all the conditions, but is having difficulty chunking it down to the daily one-hour practice.

Soldier on, we must. For the sake of the character that is being formed and the virtues that are being developed.