Opinion/thoughts needed

[CandODad]

So, my DD (6) Has the choice of swimming or ballet, She has her heart set on ballet and has dreams in her had of looking like a graceful prima ballerina (which to me she already does)

My DW and I feel she should do swimming like her brother is doing as this is a valuable skill that could save her life at some point plus when her brother is able to be in the pool having fun she wont have a clue.

I have tried to talk to her about it but she ends up in tears sobbing that (in her own words) "I want to do ballet, I have wanted to my entire life" (which did raise a little chuckle that I suppressed)

Now I know people have it a lot worse and I am glad she can have these options as I certainly never. But what would you do? go with a six year olds "dream" or give her what you see as a life skill?

....and my 5 year old does swimming now, but my 11 year old learnt to swim with regular trips to the pool....it was just how it panned out x

Also if your 4 year old DS already does swimming why hasn't your 6 year old DD already learnt?

If dd will be allowed another activity (ie swimming) in a years time (have I read that right?) I would honestly go with the ballet if push really does come to shove and nothing you can do will persuade her.

If its not that cut and dried I would, rightly or wrongly, stealthily be steering towards swimming.

Are you/dw good swimmers, op? If you do teach your dd any swimming -get a good book from the library.Its much harder to correct childrens learned poor technique, than teach correct technique in the first instance-and more frustrating for the children.

Swimming trumps ballet in my book, but she's got to come to her own mind that she's not being forced to do swimming at the expense of her beloved ballet -no good will come of that!

Does she have any friends who go to swimming lessons? I've found many decisions my dd's make are based on what their friends do and don't do, also.Ask about and see if any of her friends are due to start.Explain that ballet will be on the cards next year, and you'll do everything in your power for her to do it then, but now its sensible to do swimming so she and her brother are both able to enjoy fun things that need swimming.I would employ all persuasive techniques.

Good luck!

Not sure why I have been deleted for telling you to grow up but fair enough.

everyone has read it as you wrote it that you offered her a choice and all say the same as me that you cannot then withdraw that choice.

I would look at your attitude if your behaviour on here is anything to go by frankly

wheresthelight

What's your obsession with critiquing your opinion of my parenting skills? I like the fact everyone on here has a clear point of view for me. Its only you though that has felt the need to accuse me of bullying my own child.

Projecting issues much?

if you bother to read people's responses I am not the only one and you should read your own posts because your attitude on here stinks.

you asked for people's opinions and I have given you mine. you don't like it fine but it is still a valid opinion.

you are not teaching your daughter anything good by offering her a choice and then imposing your wants on her

My attitude with you stinks yes thanks to your condescending attitude.

wrong. I have raised the fact that you are bullying your daughter that infant from your own posts not condescension

CanODad I also think your posts betray a lack of respect for your daughter, at best.