A very well-written and timely post, Kristin! We're just starting to think about music lessons for our kids and we'll no doubt need to impart some tough love and wisdom after they figure out that it's not as easy as learning Guitar Hero. 

My experience is quite similar to yours. I hated piano lessons, even though I had a wonderful, forgiving teacher. I'll never forget sneaking into the kitchen during practice to move up the time on the oven clock timer (set by my Mother). Like she couldn't tell! But had my parents just let me have my way and quit piano, there's probably little chance that I would have the appreciation or ear for music that I have today. They clearly knew something about me at that age that I didn't. 

I think the real art in it is knowing how to dish out the tough love in a way that's effective. And that's what my parents somehow figured out with me. I'm going to go call them now to see how they did it.