3Yo REFUSES to Go into Dance Class. Help!

K.,

For whatever reason, she just doesn't want to participate in the actual class. It sounds like she enjoys getting ready for class and the anticipation of starting class, just not the actual class. My advice, and just FYI -- my 21 year old daughter danced ballet & jazz since she was 3 (she was also in a ballet company); so, I have some experience in this -- don't make her attend class. If she changes her mind and wants to go in, she'll let you know. Then you can visit with her about what it's going to take behavior-wise from her to be allowed in class. But, she may never decide to join the class and want to do something else. I applaude your efforts to expose the girls to various things in order for them to have options from which to choose in the future. However, ballet simply may not be this one's cup of tea.

Best wishes,
R. F.

This is just not one of those things in life that falls in the "have to" category. Why not let her get dressed up, and enjoy the fun of getting ready - and let her bring something s likes? She is three - since she already does fine at Sunday School, and MDO, you know she understands the concept of following those rules. She is three, and will have a lifetime of rules to try to follow - perhaps this could be a special time alone with you, while sissy dances? Believe me - those special one on one times get harder to come by as they get older - savor it!

She is only three, not 33. Does it really matter if she prefers not to do ballet? You'll have plenty of battles to choose in the years ahead. I would not choose this one!

It may be a 3 year old thing. My 3 year old son has done the same thing with both soccer & gymnastics. After several unpleasant mornings/afternoons and a little wasted $, we've decided to back off and just send him to MDO and Sunday school. We're hoping that he will start asking about some type of extra activity and then we will try again. I don't have advice, but thought it might make you feel better that yoru 3 year old isn't the only one going through this.

I agree with Robbie F. Don't make her do it. If it is her thing, she'll decide to go.

I believe in exposing children to sports, dance, music, etc... My daughter was interested in NONE of the ballet, soccer, gymnastics, etc. When she was about 6 1/2 she expressed an interested to go to a martial arts class with a friend.

Little did we know....that was her thing. She excelled and is a black belt. I never would have thought it.

She amazed us again when she was about 11 and took up interest in playing the violin. She joined the orchestra as a requirement for middle school but right now you would not be able to get her out of the orchestra. She has a talent none of us were aware of. She will be in 9th grade this upcoming year and playing in the 10th grade orchestra.

Another thing is cheerleading. She never liked cheerleading. She decided to try in 8th grade because anyone can be on the squad. She loved it, has excelled (with private coaching), tried out and is on the squad for 9th grade. Granted....She is good at cheer, but I know my social daughter and she also loves the perks, attention and responsibilites of cheerleading.

The gist of what I am saying is let them try all they want and participate in what they want. Yes, you will be out some $$ for this but in the long run it works out. Things will fall into place.

Kudos to you for getting them exposed early. Hang in there.

They grow up so fast!! Enjoy.

I understand my daughter was 3 last year and loved getting ready part and liked going at 1st. She stretched muscles she never used and we ended up in the ER cause she was bleeding and the Dr said it was bc she used muscles she never used. She still wanted to go until right b4 the Fall dance and she started to cry and was so upset. She didn't get to dance but we took her to watch and she loved that but didn't want to go back. So we dropped it and just let her tell us what she wants. She is 4 1/2 and doesn't have a interest in soccer dance gymnastics but has taken to having Horse lessons. She loves riding and we found a program for 3-5 age group. Her brother likes soccer and she goes and watches. They are only 1 yr apart and act like twins sometimes. She also did fine at MDO. So we ask her if she like to do different things and let her tell us. And we are trying to let them do things together if they want or if they want to try different sports thats ok too.
We have also looked at different dance places and she said she try this other one so maybe a different scenery too.

Good luck

I agree, don't make her. At the age of three I don't see any reason to push her. She may just need to grow up a little.