For example, I began teaching piano and other music courses on the colllege level at age 24. I think I was pretty good - I did know my stuff, and I was already a good enough improvisor (on the keyboard as well as on my feet in front of the chalkboard) to fake my way around any weird classroom situations.
As I look back, though, I was missing a sense of what was like to be a child again. My private teaching experience was limited to the college level student - except for a short stint in graduate school where i taught a few elementary school kids {not very successfully}.
Since I've been a Dad, though, I find it is easier to relate to my younger students. I'm not afraid to relate to the younger kids - 5-year-olds especially seem to respond to a touch of silliness in the lesson. I've been through those stages with my kids, and can remember them well.
It's been a suprising side-benefit of Fatherhood.
