Dance class, is my kid too young?

[hamster]

Since this is kind of your area of expertise, maybe he just wants to show off for you about how well he's doing? Could you have your H take him one day?

As a coach, you know That Parent. Sitting there watching doesn't make you That Parent.

[rootbeerfloat]

How old is he?

DD was like this for her first dance class. I think it was just a new situation. She was fine by her second class (admittedly, at a different studio).

[rootbeerfloat]

At 3, a lot of it is learning how to behave IN class - take turns, follow the teacher, be quiet and pay attention, etc. Especially if it's less disruptive for you to be there, then I wouldn't feel bad (well, I would, lol, because I'm high-strung, but objectively it's OK).

[imojoebunny]

He is the only boy... I would sit in the class, as long as it's not disruptive. One of the hottest, most pleasant guys I knew in college was a cheerleader, so that may color my thinking :-)

[stealthmom]

Sept 22, 2014 18:53:33 GMT -5 @rennido said:

Sept 22, 2014 18:39:20 GMT -5 rootbeerfloat said:

How old is he?

DD was like this for her first dance class. I think it was just a new situation. She was fine by her second class (admittedly, at a different studio).

He's three.

I think he likes a lot more action than this is. He loves it when the music is on. He is just kind of all over the place when the teacher is talking. That's when he comes over to me. He's used to "practicing" with big kids. I wanted to put him in an older "boys only" class. He loves hanging out with older kids, but he wasn't allowed.

given this, yes I think he is too young. I had a similar experience with my own son.

[mollybrown]

I'm kind of going through the same thing with my 3 year old. She started at 2.5, and the teacher suggested that I leave despite the fact that she would cry and whine for me to stay. She did great without me in the room, and was able to focus even though she cried every single time I left. I've been sticking around for the class the last few weeks, and it is not going well. She spends half her time at the window trying to talk to me, or in the waiting area. For her, the teacher makes all of the difference. Her teacher last session was better at engaging her and just more forceful. The teacher this session doesn't take a lot of initiative when she is disruptive and not participating, so I will either move her to a class with the original teacher or pull her out at the end of the month.

Have you talked to the teacher? How does s/he handle your son? Is there only 1 teacher for over 20 kids? That is a lot for the preschool set. A smaller class might make all the difference.