At one point in your child’s life, they will choose to quit dancing. I have witnessed this a million times and it continues to happen. Dance is difficult, it requires a lot of focus, strength, commitment, and mental preparation. It starts during the pre-teen years. They start to have more friends who go out and play. They want to go to the movies, hang out with friends, go to the mall, etc.

Other times, they choose to quit because they are afraid of being challenged by their teacher. Maybe their teacher expects more from them because they know that they can do better but they’re afraid to try. What do you do? When things become challenging for them will you allow them to quit? What about when they become adults, will they just quit because they find something challenging? Will they just drop out of college because they are having a difficult time in class?

JUVENILE YEARS

It’s difficult to raise a child in this day and age. More people are fighting for human rights, we have become too sensitive to some things, and reprimanding children now sometimes becomes an issue. At 9-12 years old, your child does not know what they want to do yet. It’s a hit-and-miss! But will you give in and waste money on trying different activities? Or will you push them to stick to one so they succeed? Click here to read about the Evolution of Dance Education: From Ballroom Halls to Contemporary Studios.

BACK DOWN

As a parent, when we see that our child isn’t happy anymore, we usually give in. This is the time to assess. Where is this coming from? Where does this “I’m not happy anymore” moment come from? Is it because your child is afraid of your teacher? Is it because they want to spend more time with friends? Assess and redirect. Don’t give in to quitting right away just because of that statement. There may be something that you can do. Talk to your child and their teacher. Teachers will help.

INTERVAL

Maybe taking a week off from dance will help them. Sometimes kids get burnt out. It is normal. Talk to them. Understand why. Suggest a week off and then start back again. Give them a timeline. Remember, children don’t know what they want at this age. You need to suggest to them the timeline of when they will take a break and when they come back.

ALLEGIANCE

You started it, now finish it. It’s like schoolwork. They can’t just start their homework and give up once they have a hard time. It’s a way of life. If your child works in an office or becomes a doctor a teacher or a lawyer – will they be able to quit when they feel challenged? NO! Compromise with your child. If you paid for 2 months of classes – then they have to finish the lessons you paid for before they give up. If they are part of a team, then they need to understand that if they back out now, the team/routine will be ruined. They can quit after their commitment.

INSTRUCTOR

Maybe the reason why your child wants to quit is that they are being challenged by their teacher and they are afraid of it. When a child is afraid of being challenged, it is best to talk to your teacher about this. They have known your child since they were toddlers and they would have a reason for why they are challenging your child. More often than not, teachers challenge their students because they see that they can do more than what they are given. Talk to your teacher. Reassure your child that your teacher is only pushing them because they see potential. Tell them, it’s okay to make mistakes, that’s where we learn.

COMPLAINING

Sometimes as parents, we want our children to succeed and we tell them to stretch and rehearse at home. This will result in burnout! You would notice that your child listens to their teacher more when they are told to rehearse at home rather than when you say it. Let them do their thing! Let their teacher push them. Their passion for dance will make them want to practice at home not you.

It is your decision on how to parent your children. But to me, once this situation occurs, you have to address the issue first. Don’t decide quickly. Sometimes, kids just need your attention. Understand where this is coming from. If it’s because they are afraid of being challenged – talk to the teacher. Don’t waste your kids’ talent and your own money. 9-12 years old is a crucial age for ballet. If you allow them to give up whenever they are being challenged, what type of person will they become in the future? They would say that giving up is not an option.