Dance Class

I have a 4 year old step daughter that we have had kinda the same situation with. What we have chosen to do is make a rewards chart. When she is good and participates in the whole class she can put a sticker on the chart. But if she doesn't participate she doesn't get a sticker. We have it set up after 4 times (since she is 4) she gets to pick a reward (lunch with dad/something from the store). This made it so she was excited to go and participate but didn't give her the option of giving up. She doesn't seem to pay attention to what the other kids are doing as much or who is or who isn't there.

K., I have a 2 years-old who's like your daughter developed her language ability much sooner than typical kids at her age. She learned the alphabet (A to Z), numbers (1 to 10) and talking in a simple full sentence when she was 1. Many people were surprised when they found out she's only 1 with those capabilities. She's also an 'extra' active gal, so reading what happened to your daughter is like watching my own daughter. I'm not a child psychologist, but at this age kids easily get bored of one thing. Let her explore everything that will add values, and when she gets a bit older you can help her navigating which ones she should start focusing on. There will be things that your daughter will eventuall hook on. Just give her some time.

I can tell you from personal experience that 3 yo is too young to begin something like that. I tried with both of my kids and the same thing happened. One class was gymnastics and another was soccer. I would wait until your child is at least 4-4 1/2 to start them in extracurricular activities. After I took a couple hits to the wallet I learned that lesson. You can try another class but the result might be the same. Don't get frustrated, there is nothing wrong with your child, this too will pass....
Good Luck
L.

I think you should try it again. Maybe find a different program so she doesn't fall into the bad habits of the kids in the previous class. Maybe find a community education program that only last 5-8 weeks. If you do sign her up make sure you are commited to finishing the class. Taking her out half way through is doing her no good. Make sure she understand that if you pay for a class she is going to finish it. If the other kids are crying for thier parents and she starts, assure her she's fine and that you are watching and send her back. I think the worst thing you can do for her is let her quit something she started. It's important to teach her now that she has to finish what she starts.

kids grow and develop... just becuase this dance class was not as successful as you thougth it would be is no reason to not try again.

This time your daughter is older and it might have a totally different experience.

Even if it has only been a month or two it could be different. There have been many things that I have tried to teach my daughter- that she did not get after several lessons.. so I waited a bit and tried again and once agian tried to teach her and she got it on the first try.

So dont let one bad experience ruin it.. try another dance class or some other type of class.

I would try a different dance class if possible. Find one that the parents cannot watch. My 4 yr old went to a dance studio in Grand Ledge and parents were only allowed to watch 3 times a year. My daughter was a little nervous when she first started, but after 2 classes, she begged to go to dance. If you'd like the name of the studio in Grand Ledge, email me

I would suggest going to a different place where the parents don't go in with their children. My daughter is in a dance class for ages 2-4 and parents only go in if the child totally freaks out. Most of the kids do much better without their parent in the room, and by age 3 they are certainly independent enough to go it alone.

hello i would look in to a different place where my daughter dance at they have classes for three year old and it all about them the parents are not in it at all so i would call a few places and see what you caome up with if you are in the east lans haslett are there are two good ones i know of well good luck let me know if i can help

I would try enrolling her in a dance studio that doesn't allow the parents to dance along or participate in the class. There are a lot of studios out there. I have two daughters that have danced since they were toddlers. One dances competitively now! Anyway, they both dance at a studio where the parents wait in the lobby while our little angels go into a closed door class and dance away. It sounds like you daughter would flourish in a place like that. Good luck to you and your precious one!

hi!! i have a wonderful solution!!! my daughter was/is the same way...and we go to a wonderful dance studio, that has a parent-free preschool program!!! it's called In His Steps Dance Studio, the owner is Nichole Pierman...its a Christian-based curriculum and the costumes are tasteful yet modern and adorable! she has a wide variety of classes.....if you'd like more info i'd LOVE to give it to you.....email me at ____@____.com

hope to hear from you!
lovingly yours,
N. govier

Hi K.,
My suggestion is find another dance class/school that doesn't have the parents in the classroom. I know there are some where the parents stand on the otherside of a two way mirror. She may regain her independence.