To want to take 6month DD to Baby Ballet?

[MillieMoosMummy]

My DD is actually 5 months but baby ballet starts at 6 months (anyone have any experience of this??)

My MIL basically told me I shouldn't, in front of all of DH's family. She thinks DD 'Does enough already!'

I felt like she was implying that DD isn't having a good time, or that I'm not thinking of her, but I swear she likes her actvities.

At swimming lessons she smiles and splashes, at Gymboree she actually laughs and giggles.

We also do Catapillar music and go to rhyme time at the library.

In four weeks we are starting 'Gymbabes' at Tumbletots.

I tried P & T groups but found them really cliquey.

I'm quite upset about MIL saying this and really enjoy DD's activities.

AIBU? Is she right?

Dandylioness & speedygonzales - 2 things.

1. This afternoon she lay on her playmat and I blew raspberries on her tummy and played with finger puppets. This morning she was in bed with me for an hour with me just looking at her and her squeezing my fingers.

1. What do you think happens at these classes? I don't just throw her in and leave ;) the whole class is me looking at her, and interacting with her, and talking to her. It's really, really lovely. I know how to be with my baby.

I'm sure at gymboree recently they were talking about a study where these types of classes are really really amazing for speech, development, bonding, communication, socialisation etc.

I don't think the OP has been badly treated - she gave as good as she got and responded to all the criticism. Which makes for a good AIBU thread...

And Poppetuk - I have a Quinny zapp Xtra and a bugaboo chameleon - she faces me in both ;)

Great! Some people think their babies' lives need to be packed with activities because they don't know how else to relate to them. If that's not you, that's excellent. But don't ever think that your baby needs this stuff. If it helps you, go for it! I'd rather spend my money getting my hair done or buying nice clothes, but then that's because I rarely get a look-in these days. One day I'll look glam again...

OMG that's so funny! I saw this thread a couple of hours ago and didn't bother opening it because I read the title and thought it was an obvious joke

Are you sure you're not overwhelming your DD? It seems like an exceptionally busy schedule to me.
Babies NEED quiet time. Time to reflect.

When does she get time to roll around on the floor alone, or gaze into the air, or play with her hands?
How on earth do you fit in her daytime naps?

It all sounds a bit hyper-parent to me.

LOL at ScottishMummy and the 'lump of coal'. ScottishMummy you always make my day.

Worra - at first I thought it was a wind-up, too, like my pfb hamster thread!

It seems a lot OP, maybe you upset just because MIL disagreed in front of everyone or is it becuase you feel she has made a judgement? I was very protective and sensitive when DS was that age.

FWIW DS is 5 and does two things a week, the rest he is busy but its left unstructured.

Make sure you plan some time for yourself too

Kiwi - as I've said (a lot!) the activities aren't every day and they're only 30 or 45 minutes. She gets naps.

Sometimes I even feed her ;)

I can't help but think that if it was free baby ballet at a surestart centre people would be happier

People say 'does she have time to nap / stare / roll over'... But then tell me things to do instead, like the park, shopping, inviting friends over.

I can't really win. I don't think it would matter what I write at this point.

Lovenamechange - I get loads of time to myself. DH takes her for walks / plays with her for an hour or so most afternoons & she naps.

It's not a manic crazy life! Quite the opposite... She's so happy & content I find my life with her just lovely & easy.

Do what you feel best then OP re balet but what about your MIL I must confess I would have hated that or from my own mother.

I'm starting to think MIL is in this thread and keeps namechanging. Lol!

Lol @ Speedy

OP I've only squizzed through the thread but I'd say there's a danger here of two things.

1. You just being a 'Mummy' and nothing else...I mean losing your identity totally.

1. Raising a child who simply can't amuse herself/cope with her own company.

Other than that (apart from you fact you sound completely barking) do what makes you happy

Over the top. Showing off...nobody impressed. Night all.

Worraliberty - what exactly makes me barking?

1. You just being a 'Mummy' and nothing else...I mean losing your identity totally.

I read, I watch TV, I go to lunch with my friends, I'm trying to write a book, I have a job in TV which I love and am going to return to on a freelance basis. I have loads of time to myself.. Who else has a DH who works from home and takes afternoons off so you can go have a nap / go out?

1. Raising a child who simply can't amuse herself/cope with her own company.

At only 5 months, my DD will sit in her bouncy chair and 'amuse herself' while I cook / chat with DH / have a glass of wine / watch tv / talk on the phone. She is very content.

She also sleeps 12 - 13 hours a night and is called 'The Perfect Baby' by all my friends and relatives who observe how well behaved she is.

Who is to say I'm 'barking' or doing it wrong?

Sundayrose - drop a completely unthought out comment and run ;)

Lol sorry..the 'barking' comment was made in fun. Though to me (a Mum of 3 in her 40's) believe me all this baby ballet etc..does sound barking

If you're really doing all those things with your baby and you're really doing all those things with friends/at home etc..then just get on with it if it makes you happy.

The latter part I would still worry about but I guess that's because my kids are 19yrs 12yrs and 8yrs...believe me, you will need to teach her independance too or you'll be buggered in the end