To discourage child from doing something he really wants to do because he will be rubbish at it?

[WallisFrizz]

DS is Y1. They are having a school talent competition. He wants to enter...playing “air trombone”.

He is adamant he wants to do this and I have seen his act...it will not end well for him. I tried to tell him this and he looked crushed.

Should I just let him get on with it?

Yes. He's year 1. I doubt anyone elses act will be that amazing either. I'd encourage him, not hold him back.

Yes of course. If no one ever bothered to try, no one would ever improve. We'd all just sit and vegetate. Good luck ds1.

Why would he be crushed ? I don’t think the teacher is going to turn around and say ‘well Alfred, that was shit’. You would be v unreasonable to discourage him from participating in something that is only a bit of fun.

I don't think it will harm him to go ahead. He's in Y1 so he's what, 5 or 6? Nobody would be expecting the Moonlight Sonata. At that age, most of the kids are likely going to have fairly basic acts. As long as he goes and has fun, I think he should be okay.

He might not be the best "air trombone" but he will gain experience about taking part. Maybe give him constructive feedback?

If he was older, you might have a point, but I bet his other year 1 friends will be thrilled by his plan (I know my son would be). It’s important not to judge children by adult standards

You sound mean. Leave him to it.

Yes of course! Teach him to have courage and take risks. At this age the other kids are impressed with anything, so he won't be teased or anything like that.

I can see where you’re coming from, it’s difficult to think they might get hurt but YABU.

You don’t know that it won’t end well for him. A little boy in our schools talent show played air guitar and everyone loved it. He had so much fun on stage it was infectious.

Even if it does end badly unfortunately they’ve got to learn these things for themselves. You’ve just gotta be there afterwards with a big hug.

He is yr 1, expectations will be v low.

I guarantee at least one participant will be demonstrating nothing more than a vacant stare

How bad can he be at air trombone? You know it's pretend right?

Yes. Sorry yab (a little & kindly meant) u. You're trying to shield him from potential ridicule (understandably so!), but accidentally crushing his dreams of playing air trombone to a wider audience ... . Can you work on his "act" with him? Make it funny? Add music background for him on a CD player he can do his act in time with? Ps. Talk to teacher if need be?
Good luck

Oh bless his heart. I do understand where you're coming from but I think he should do it.

The only one who is going to crush him is you

Honestly, I think you're assuming too much about the "talents" of the other children

He’s literally going to stand there in front of the school pretending to play a non-existent musical instrument! I’m not being mean, I just don’t want people laughing at him (which I have not said to him).

Ok, point taken though. I will be positive. Thanks MN.

Why would any parent try to end a child's possible future career in air tromboning before it starts?

Hope he does well.

Air trombone?! That would rely on the class knowing what a trombone was, wouldn't it?

He'll have to make it funny, OP - can you help him with that?

I'd add a clip in bowtie or tie, jacket , fake glasses and get him to ramp it up with a big act & expressive face playing along to some (short) dramatic music!! " Go big or go home!" He might get a glorious response!! He's Yr1, as PP said .... expectations of 'talent' will be low.

It's a primary school talent show , not BGT. He'll be fine.

To expand further, it’s him and his friend who will be on the “air drums”. Maybe I could send them in with a backing CD.

Veteran of many school shows here— I have watched inaudible comedians, tuneless singers and my personal favourite, the child who twirled mournfully round three times before bowing rapturously at the audience.

Air trombone sounds like it’ll fit right in. Get him a hat and let him go for it.

Shades, hat (even a baseball hat turned backwards), outfit, and attitude all add to the entertainment! Music choice .. you've got time to help him ramp it up. Ham it up! I'd enjoy watching that from a 5-6 year old! It might be the start of a comedy act he improves over the years!!

What about 'air saxophone' to the backing track of Baker Street? With some attitude he could pull it off.
my DS did some hula hooping at a talent show once - he had never used a hula hoop before. Was he arsed or the slightest bit embarrassed? Nope.

I want to thank miniFrizz for making me laugh for the first time since my (far too young) dsister was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer last week. I wish him all the luck in the world!!!