re extra curricular activities

[toptramp]

I like my dd to do a few after school activities but omg one of them is so demanding; for us mums. They are doing a show whcih is fantastic but during half term when my partner is coming to stay and we want to do lots of day trips etc. They want us to go to dress rehersals, and help out at the two shows during half term. Plus the tickets are really expensive. My dp will love to see the show etc but I do resent giving up time to help with rehersals etc. Their tack is if you can't help out at the show the child can't participate as they are too little. I'd love dd to do the show but I just don't want to give up days helping out.
Anone elses kids have extra curricular stuff which chews up YOUR time. I think it's all very lovely but I am a busy working mum who wants to find precious time with my dp who I hardly ever see at half term. Could they not do teh show during term time rather than encroaching on holiday time? I sound so ungrateful.

[picturesinthefirelight]

I help out at dd's shows but only because I want to and I am invved in the performing arts myself. I have chaperoned at professional shows as well so it's normal but helPing out at dd's shows has to fit around my work & other commitments

You can't expect all parents to be available. Dd takes her performing seriously but she is older (11). She didn't do big shows until she was around 7.

[toptramp]

I do want to help but I just can't so it looks like I'm going to pull her out of this one. Now I feel liek a shit mum.

[picturesinthefirelight]

Pull her and find another school

[IneedAsockamnesty]

im bemused, and have an inkling that yabu

[IneedAsockamnesty]

forgot to add that that is because im getting fed up with all the yanbu aibu's

[toptramp]

Why move schools?

[picturesinthefirelight]

Because most performing arts/dance schools don't insist that parents have to be available to help in order for children to participate. If they don't get enough volunteers they should do as I do and pay staff ( dd's dance school also paid me to help at a summer show that dd wasn't even involved in)

[Notquite]

I would have thought they'd lose quite a few children to holidays by putting the show on at half term. You won't be the only one not going by any means.

[toptramp]

I know. I am a bit pissed off with them tbh. I think they should hire staff. They are assuming that parents don't have a life. If it wasn't during half term I would help out but half term is well...half term really.

[toptramp]

But then again. It's lovely that they are doing a show in the first place. I think I'm just pissed off with the situation.

[Doingakatereddy]

It seems from your post that it's the fact you want to spend time with your DP rather than helping at DD's school.

In which case the schools not BU & neither are you - it's just one of those conflicts on time

[toptramp]

I hardly ever see him so yes I would rather spend time with him. Plus I'm taking him to the airport in the afternoon so will have to leave it.

[BoneyBackJefferson]

Its a good job that the teacher doesn't feel the same way. :)

[JustSpidero]

Could you explain to whoever is running the group/show that you have commitments that were made prior to you knowing the involvement required and offee to do something a bit less labour intensive to help out - knock up some programmes/posters or send in some snacks for rehearsal breaks maybe?

[Sirzy]

You say they should pay staff to help - would you be willing to pay much more for the lessons to cover this?

They are wrong to insist that parents help but where possible it makes sense to use parents as extra helpers for shows and things

[picturesinthefirelight]

When I put shows on I pay the staff to work backstage. It's all budgeted into ticket prices etc.

Parent volunteers are often needed as well but as you only need 1 chaperone to every 12 children it's usually manageable.