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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To pull DD out of drama club

15 replies

Thornyrose7 · 04/05/2018 18:47

So DD (8) started attending a Saturday drama academy a month ago. It was a big decision for us as it's expensive, but drama is her passion and we thought it would be worthwhile. She attended the taster and said that she wanted to go back. It is very popular. The group she is in is huge. However we went ahead with it as it's one with a good national rep. When I dropped DD off last week I noticed that she stood on her own for a while looking lonely and other children seemed to be in established groups and she was left out. I realise that she is new and it takes time to make friends. However
all of a sudden DD tells me that a girl is being mean to her in the group and she is not really happy about going back although 'she will try'. She has told me the details and it involves this girl ostracising her and telling others not to work with her. She has been told that she is weird and annoying.
I know that this sort of thing happens a lot with girls and I was prepared for it to happen at some point at school, where you try and work through it. However I am really f'd off that it is happening at this drama group where it is meant to be pure fun and enjoyment and is bloody expensive. I feel like pulling her out. AIBU?

OP posts:
LovingLola · 04/05/2018 18:48

Have you spoken to the teacher? That would be my first course of action.

TeenTimesTwo · 04/05/2018 18:50

YABU to pull her out without talking with the drama teacher first.

JessicaJonesJacket · 04/05/2018 18:51

It doesn't just happen with girls.

Speak to the teacher. She can maybe give your DD a buddy until she settles in or make sure she isn't put in the other girl's group. If the teacher can't reassure you then ask for a refund.

JoyceDivision · 04/05/2018 18:52

Similar issue with dd, we took her out but it was going on for a while, claimed to be a premier northern drama class, it was ridiculous and up it's own arse!

HairyToity · 04/05/2018 18:52

Yanbu. Speak to teacher ASAP and if she does not enjoy it tomorrow pull her out. Not worth it.

Mountainsoutofmolehills · 04/05/2018 18:53

This bully is mean. I am so sorry, that is heart breaking.

BubblesBuddy · 04/05/2018 18:56

Drama club! It sort of goes with the territory. Many children there will have a heightened sense of their own special talent. However, speak to the teacher and see how the groups are organised. Maybe the teacher could rejig the groups if it’s a big class. Drama can be hugely competitive so be careful if she’s not the type to flourish in that setting.

MyNewAlias · 04/05/2018 18:58

Are thy spilt into age group classes? Can she not possibly move up or down if she is on borderline of age crossover. Just wondering if it is the same academy my DD attends( different school obviously)

Original poster
Thornyrose7 · 04/05/2018 18:59

Yes, thanks all, I will speak to the teacher. I don't want to pull her out at the first sign of trouble, I am just really annoyed as it was meant to be an amazing experience for her. But yes, Hairy, if it carries on that is it! Sorry you had the same experience Joyce.

OP posts:
PEARSON93 · 04/05/2018 19:00

Definitely drama in territory!! Talk the teacher but be prepared that any drama school with some children like that.

Starlight2345 · 04/05/2018 19:04

Another speak to the teacher . It may be removable however if not yes pull her out.

Original poster
Thornyrose7 · 04/05/2018 19:21

Ok thanks Mumsnetters. I will speak to the teacher tomorrow and go from there. I feel better now having vented. Thanks so much.x

OP posts:
dancinfeet · 04/05/2018 21:25

I assume that this is one of the big national franchise drama groups? Bear in mind that each individual branch is only as good as the teacher (or teachers) who runs it.
YABU to pull your daughter out without first speaking to the teacher, especially if you are then going to request reimbursement for any classes that she will not be attending, but that were paid up front. Try to get the staff to resolve the issue with your daughter and the other student first. And I would find a good, independently run drama club for next term if you are not happy with the result.

Possum123 · 04/05/2018 23:54

I would talk to the teacher. A good drama teacher should be doing activities to help your daughter integrate into the go up.

Possum123 · 05/05/2018 00:09

Sorry group

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