If your child is just beginning their journey in youth ballet then you may have many questions. In a previous post, I explain the top 5 Things Every Youth Ballet Dancer Needs. Any time a child is in a sport it affects the rest of the family. My husband and I have two other children so I needed something for them to do while Julia dances.
At the time, our other two children were not old enough to begin a sport according to the age my husband and I have set for beginning sports. They also were not old enough to realize that Julia is in a sport because she has reached the age that we have decided we would allow our children to begin a sport. I did not want them to become envious because Julia was having fun while they watched.
I decided that during the time that Julia dances I would make sure that they had fun. I wanted to eliminate the feeling of being envious toward her so I made sure that they had fun during ballet class. Here are 5 ideas I have found help entertain my other two children while Julia dances.
1. Go For a Walk– Have you ever heard of the saying, “A watched pot never boils?” It simply means that if you sit around watching something it will seem like it takes forever to end. If you get out and get moving it will take your other children’s mind off of the fact that the other child is having fun.
2. Go to the Grocery Store– Allow your other children to pick something special. They will look forward to taking your other child to ballet if they associate it with getting a special treat! Just make sure that you also get the child who is dancing the same snack. The idea is to eliminate any jealousy in any child. Children like to talk so they will definitely tell the other child about the special treat.
You may be thinking that the child who is dancing gets the best of both worlds, ballet and a special treat. But here is why it is not a big deal. They did not pick the treat and they did not go to the store. Each child is still missing out on something but they also have something to look forward too. One child is excited about ballet and the others are excited about what they are doing during ballet.
3. Find A Near By Park- We are fortunate enough to have a park in walking distance. I am able to get a little more exercise and the children are able to play. I have found that during the time when Julia dances it allows my other two children to bond. Since Julia is the oldest she normally tells the others what they will do or play so it is interesting to see what they want to do on their own.
4. Bring Games- This is great on rainy days or for a day you do not feel like running around. It will allow you to get to know your other children a little better. I enjoy playing board games with my children so we play them frequently. During the time when Julia dances I am able to see better how well my other children comprehend a game. Since Julia is the oldest and a great big sister she likes to help them, so sometimes it is hard to see if they need the help or not.
5. Bring an Electronic Game- This is another idea for days when mom is feeling tired or need to use that time differently. The children can entertain themselves!
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