to think boys can do Ballet and girls karate

[creamandsugar]

Basically that. My sil thinks the opposite. We have similar aged children and when she heard my dd's who is only 4 btw, best friend in Montessori is a boy she was shocked,and when I told her that Ballet ,rugby or karate classes were offered to my ds ,she gasped Ballet for boys!!! Hes not doing Ballet but the fact that Ballet classes were even available for him was outrageous.
Really thought people didn't think like this anymore.
She has a ds and a dd. Wonder what will happen if god forbid her dd wants to play Rugby

Ds1 (13yr old very fit) and dd9 both do judo. Ds2 does ballroom and latin. He was teased at primary school, called a girl because only girls do dancing . He hasnt told his new friends at secondary yet. Just to mix it up a bit he also does kung fu.
All dcs are happy with their activities.

I started DS (just turned 3).in ballet last week. Mil is struggling with the concept (despite being hugely enthusiastic about DD going)- definitely less enthusiastic about the notion. The amount of comments I have had from other mums there about 'ooh, is he going in a tutu - ha ha!' and 'it's ok now but 'he'll get a hard time at school' is really quite surprising given it was 2014 last time I checked.

I'd like to introduce DD to mini rugby but it clashes with her dancing at the moment. I think the problem is that people who have never danced themselves think it's all mincing about whereas those of us who have know the blood, sweat, tears and lactic acid involved! Ballet is not for girls.

Of course YANBU. My DD did karate throughout KS2. All the kids did footie and tag rugby.

Your SIL is an idiot. (NigellasDealers ex is worse... I'm outraged on her behalf, my DD's favourite GCSE is electronics and is planning to become some type of engineer... which we're delighted by of course).

littledrummer... your DS will be the one who'll be more likely to attract girls with his prowess on the dance floor.

Yy to people thinking dancing involves no physical skill or effort. I was told by lots of people (including my PE teacher) that I did no exercise. I danced 3-4 times a week for a few hours each time.

I watched the Russian Ice Stars last night. The stuff they (both men and women) were doing was incredible - it was pretty obvious how strong and fit they had to be. Anyone who thinks dance related activities don't count as exercise is a twerp.

Unfortunately a lot of people think like your sister law, most just are a bit more subtle, or a lot more subtle about expressing it.

You just need to look at the children at gym, football, ballet, etc to see a clear sex divide, around here anyway. And if most people didn't think like op sil that wouldn't be the case.

It is really bad.

Ridiculous! Lovely to hear of all these great kids enjoying the hobbies that they want to. My very gentle, unsporty Dd has been learning Kung Fu for the last 2 years and has gained so much confidence from it.

It is so great to hear positive stories of other people's dc doing whatever sports they wish.
Preciousbane, she's not overly girly but always dresses very well as in gloves matching handbag type of thing,her clothes and kids clothes always ironed (I dress myself and kids in what fits and isn't too dirty odd stain is fine ) She's from a small country village , I'm opening a whole New can of worms now by saying that! Just because she's from a village does NOT make someone believe in such old fashioned ideas! There are plenty of people from small country villages that are more opened minded.
Whatelse can I tell you about her,She has no brothers only sisters,if that makes a difference?
I don't know.
I suppose this really bothers me because she is actually a lovely person up until she spouts some crap about above.