People can be so ignorant

Celestrina wrote: The other day DH was telling a co-worker about DS's dance class. What was this guy's response? "You better sign him up for something like football to balance things out." DS enjoys his dance class. He is developmentally delayed with his fine motor skills, so he has trouble with using scissors and writing. He tends to be very hard on himself and gets very frustrated if he can't do it. Dance makes him feel good about himself; it has been a real boost to his self-esteem. Why should we sign him up for something he has shown no interest in and will quite possibly end up affecting his self-esteem, simply because sports are considered by some "more masculine?" If he wants to try sports, then we will encourage him. If he wants to stop taking dance, then we will let him stop.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: You have the right idea. Just ignore everyone else. He's your son and you don't need other people's input on how to raise him.

mammag replied: You are doing the right thing. Why is it that everyone seems to think they know what is best for everyone else's children? That makes me so mad.

Keep doing what you're doing!

stella6979 replied: I think it's great that your son enjoys dance so much and that he doesn't care what others think. That says a lot about him right there. As long as he's having a good time, who cares what anyone else has to say about it. And hasn't this guy seen "The Game Plan"? Even THE ROCK thinks dance is harder than football!!

sparkys2boys replied: What a terrible thing to say.. geesh

I agree, your doing the best thing possible IF it makes your DS feel good then that's all the matters IMO

Celestrina replied: He's even shown a lot of dedication. He's borderline ADD and the teachers have said that he is focused and keeps trying. The other day he was showing me how he's going to spin the girls around, and he corrected me when I wasn't on tip-toe.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Really that's the best thing you could do for him if he is borderline ADD...put him in an activity that increases focus, balance and promotes dedication.

DillsMommy replied:
Me too, that is one of my biggest pet peeves.

Good for you, for encouraging him to take dance and showing him that it's not JUST for girls. What kind of dance does he take?

holley79 replied: People are just stupid and this is why I ignore most people.

Celestrina replied:
He takes a class called "Kindergarten Dance", which is a combination of various styles (mostly jazz and ballet) for kindergarten age kids. They make it a lot of fun and the kids learn real dance moves. He get a kick out of showing us the things he's learned, such as plié, first position, second position, etc.

A&A'smommy replied: why are people like that!!!!! Thats WHY they are hardly ever any boys involved in dance!!! Just ignore it dance is a GREAT hobby for a boy!!

luvmykids replied: You're so right, people are ignorant Personally, I think it sounds like a great class and love that he's getting so much out of it!

A&A'smommy replied: btw are we going to get to see pictures of his recital?

MoonMama replied: I agree with the others, your doing the right thing. I fully intend to enroll Brae in dance classes soon (he has to be 2 for the schools here), he LOVES to dance, and will try hard to copy my little sister when she is rehearsing. Ignore the ignorant people.

I want to see pics too.

Celestrina replied:
Heck yeah! The recital isn't for a long time, but at the end of the month we can watch a class and I take some then.

Here's one from the summer class:

Kaitlin'smom replied: I think its great what your doing for him, some people need to keep certain comments to them selves.

lisar replied: You let that boy do what ever he wants, and dont worry about what other people think. My best friends 4 year old wants to be a cheerleader right now. I said let him. If they like it then let them do it. Whoever you dh was talking to is ignorant.

Nina J replied: Just ignore them. It's great your son is enjoying dance, who knows, he could go really far with it. Some of the best athletes in the world are dances, male and female.

I think people have misconceptions and see it as a 'girly hobby'. In actual fact, it is physically and mentally demanding.

Great picture He looks like he is concentrating so much more than the little girl next to him She's a cutie too.

MommyToAshley replied: I completely agree... tell your DH to ignore that other guy's comment. What an idiot.

I can't wait to hear how the recital goes and to see the pics!

boyohboyohboy replied: you know I am so glad I saw this post..we were thinking of getting caleb into a karate class for the same reasons you mentioned all the good things he gains from his dance class..but I was afraid that the "fighting" might over shadow the reasons we want him there..
I might ask dh if this is something we should do..
the structure alone would be good

luvbug00 replied: tell your dh to remind that dude that most pro football players take ballet classes to gain control and balance. it's good for the mind and body and spirit. Dance on!

Celestrina replied:
A lot depends on the teacher. See if you can watch a class; most teachers encourage self control and self defense.