I have two dc, aged 6 and 8. They both go to a dance class on a Saturday, and have been going for about 4 months. They both asked to start dance classes, begged in fact - so this is something they chose to do (not something they've been pushed or cajoled into) and they're enjoying it and doing well.
Generally I take them - either dh is working on a Saturday or on the Saturdays he's off then it's just worked out that I take them dancing and he potters and does house stuff instead.
Last week was the first time that I had to work and he was off, so he had to take them. Saturday evening I discovered that only ds1 had gone. Ds2 had said he didn't fancy it so he just didn't go. I was a bit at DH for allowing this but nothing more was really mentioned (not for any reason - I just hadn't thought of it since).
Cue today and ds1 casually mentions that he doesn't fancy dancing today so he'll have a day off.
I've spoken to both of the dc and told them that if they don't want to go to dance classes, that's fine and it's completely up to them. But that they need to decide either way - they either 'commit' to it and go, every single week (barring illness of course) OR they choose to give it up and stop going altogether. They're not drop in classes, they're paid monthly in advance. Its £6 each per session and although the cost itself isn't an issue, it's the principal of it - i'm not happy to pay for dance classes that may or may not be used. I think they're old enough to understand this and old enough to learn that if they commit to something (out of choice) then they have to see it through, even on the weeks they don't feel like it. Either that, or quit.
DH thinks i'm BU and that they're only 6 and 8 which is fairly young - the money isn't an issue, they're not letting anyone down (it's not a dance team so their absence doesn't really matter), so they should be able to go when they feel like it, or miss classes when they don't fancy it.
AIBU to make them decide - either all or nothing?
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AIBU?
To not let the kids skip an extra curricular activity?
29 replies
StrawberryDelight · 23/01/2016 13:45
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