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Wean DD, 9, back off pop/rock music to classical?

29 replies

SquirrelNutkin86 · 01/05/2021 13:22

Lockdown has seen DD, 9, extremely musical and previously exposed to classical music, ballet, violin/piano lessons and church choir her whole life, suddenly immersed in wall-to-wall Disney+, NetFlix and The Next Step - all excellent, carefully chosen viewing, but very North American and pop/rock culture based. Now she’s asking to give up all her cultural extracurricular activities and just do swimming/gymnastics, sing along to pop songs and lie on the sofa watching TV for at least 3/4 hours on weekdays and 6/7 hours on weekends. I’m at my wits’ end! Should I give up trying to impose my own cultural heritage on her and let her make her own choices, or is there a way to lure her back into the discipline and exhilaration of classical music again? She’s extremely musical, a great communicator, has a lovely singing voice and plays the piano with aplomb (when I can persuade her to). I always hoped she might consider a career in classical music, perhaps as a teacher, conductor or composer, or at the very least enjoy singing in a choir or playing in an ensemble as a hobby. These are all potentially achievable ambitions, whereas the pre-teen dream of becoming a famous pop star or actress only materialises for one in a million!

OP posts:
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 01/05/2021 13:30

Point out that all types of singing will help with any pop ambitions by giving her a stronger voice and wider range.

Also remember it's very easy to overschedule children. Its one of the things lockdown has shown us. (We have been well aware of it recently as more stuff has opened up and it's been tempting to sign them up for everything.)

BackforGood · 01/05/2021 13:29

I agree with both of the pp
Because you like something, it doesn't mean your dc will.
As a parent, it is good to encourage dc to follow a passion. Wel, or even an interest.

MsTSwift · 01/05/2021 13:26

From experience you cannot force a child to enjoy something just because you do or because you think they should. You are onto a losing battle and risk your relationship with them. It’s great she enjoys swimming and gymnastics.

My girls 12 and 14 and both have dropped all activities bar one sport each which they focus on.

NannyR · 01/05/2021 13:26

As a start, I would limit her TV time, she seems to be watching an awful lot. An hour a day is fine, maybe a family film at the weekends.

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