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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you rather......

59 replies

DadOfStubborn · 21/09/2024 00:42

This is a hypothetical question my siblings have been discussing. Would you rather have an academic child or a musical one? We are discussing because my dd is pretty academic but not too musical and my niece is the opposite and there are a lot of pros and cons.

OP posts:
PuppiesLove · 21/09/2024 01:10

I'm both academic and musical. I really wouldn't care which my child favoured, as long as they are happy.

jen337 · 21/09/2024 01:07

I was an academic child but have always wished I was musical. My sibling was musical and I’ve had a more financially successful and stable, but less interesting and adventurous life than him.

Cherryana · 21/09/2024 01:04

What is the point- for one child to come out better? For one set of parents to be able to say they give up more for their child?

I think comparison is the thief of joy.

Love the musical child and nurture their gifts. Love the academic child and nurture their gifts.

DadOfStubborn · 21/09/2024 01:02

NQOCDarling · 21/09/2024 01:01

Pros and cons for each, obviously; music can make people so happy, yet we need academics to educate (and teach music!)..
Ultimately, whichever creates the happiest person

Edited

I would like to think that musicians teach music haha

OP posts:
DadOfStubborn · 21/09/2024 01:02

Scribblydoo · 21/09/2024 00:56

I thought this was going to be the more fun would you rather fight one hundred duck sized horses or a duck the size or a horse (mini horses for me).

In regards to children we don't get a choice, they are who they are. Does it really matter? A love of music is possible even if you're not particularly gifted, just like there a strategies to help with academic work if this isn't their forte but knowing they are loved and accepted for who they are goes further than either of those things.

In my case though dd isn't interested in music while my niece is.

OP posts:
NQOCDarling · 21/09/2024 01:01

Pros and cons for each, obviously; music can make people so happy, yet we need academics to educate (and teach music!)..
Ultimately, whichever creates the happiest person

Scribblydoo · 21/09/2024 00:56

I thought this was going to be the more fun would you rather fight one hundred duck sized horses or a duck the size or a horse (mini horses for me).

In regards to children we don't get a choice, they are who they are. Does it really matter? A love of music is possible even if you're not particularly gifted, just like there a strategies to help with academic work if this isn't their forte but knowing they are loved and accepted for who they are goes further than either of those things.

YaCannyKickYaGrannyInTheShin · 21/09/2024 00:51

PolePrince55 · 21/09/2024 00:45

I'd rather have a happy child x

Right but that's not the question being asked?

OP, I'm a practical person so I'd choose academic because it's more likely to earn them money in the future.

Having said that, my middle DS is lucky to have the best of both worlds and he uses playing his instruments as a massive stress relief, whereas my other 2 sons use sport.

PolePrince55 · 21/09/2024 00:45

I'd rather have a happy child x