Can't sing, dance, play football, etc

[eyelash]

The ugly baby thread reminded me that most of those auditioning on Pop Idol have little or no talent(I recognise it is sad to admit to watching this!). While I am all in favour of building confidence in my children, if they were particularly dire at something (i.e. tonedeaf) I hope I could help steer them away from that interest into something they at least had a little talent for. What do you think?

Bit long, sorry. Shouldn't have had that second cup of coffee that's keeping me up.

Whilst I wouldn't want DD to think that she could be hugely successful in something she had no talent for, I still prefer that she takes an interest in everything.

My motivation: I was always lousy at sport - at junior school because I was overweight and at senior school, I refused to wear my glasses so had no chance at tennis, rounders, etc when blind as a bat!!! I was never encouraged to sing or make music and must have been told at some stage I'm lousy at it because until last week, I kept it confined to the car or when DD and I only were around.

Anyway, shortly after starting work, I started to play sport for fun e.g. rounders with a few beers! Two years ago, I discovered I can run and exercise for pleasure. And last week on holiday I happily sang at the top of my voice along to Busted in front of a friend and with her 11yo and my 6yo!

Some of those auditions are bets though, I'm sure of it!

I could not sing as a child until young adult; the other kids bullied me about it. Seemingly resolutely tonedeaf. Several boyfriends shook their heads in despair. But perservance paid off (esp. learning to play guitar a bit), and learning some music theory. I actually get complimented for my singing voice nowadays! AMAZING!

I agree with SueW. But I think it depends on age. Younger children should be encouraged into all activities. The older they get the easier it is to "steer" them into something they enjoy and are hopefully good at. I'm told that with training almost anyone can be taught to sing. (Not that that means they're necessarily going to be a star.) For me it was just too late. I was told I was an awful singer as a child and now fear and embarassment are too much to overcome. In fact I had a hearing problem which could have have been overcome with time, patience and lessons. My "thing" was ballet and although I was good I certainly wasn't prima donna stuff. My parents encouraged me to dance for the sheer enjoyment of it but the day came when I had to give up and although I was sad I wasn't heartbroken. I say, if kids enjoy an activity then encourage them. Even if they're talented, don't push them into something they don't enjoy. The two have to go hand in hand.