I heard a joke once where they were poking fun at the birth order of children. It included things like – with the first child, we change their diapers every hour whether they need it or not, with the second one, we change their diapers every two to three hours if needed and with the third, we change their diapers if somebody starts to complain about the smell or you see it sagging at their knees. Another really funny part of the joke had to do with activities and it went something like this: With the first child, you take them to baby gymnastics, baby swing and baby store hour. With the second child, you take them to baby gymnastics. With the third child, you take them to the super market and the dry cleaner.
I was bound and determined to quash that myth with my third child, and so off we went to baby ballet. What an experience that was. She was excited to get dolled up in her ballerina outfit and I actually managed to pull a few strands of hair into a ponytail to make it official. Instead of describing the class to you in detail, I will let you read a letter that she wrote to her family after class – and that should pretty much clear up how it went.
“Hi everybody,
I had my first ballet lesson today, and let me tell
you, that place is scary. I got all dressed up, and
went with my Mommy, and there were all these little
girls there running around like crazy people! The
teacher was very nice, and gave us all a treat, but
I wasn’t about to go out there and dance without my
Mommy.
So, Mommy and I were partners, which was fun. We
stood in a circle, (well Mommy stood and held me)
and we put our arms up and bent down, and did some
other things, and then we skipped around the
auditorium while all the parents watched and clapped.
Except for my Mommy, because she was skipping with
me. I think Mommy had fun.
Then, we had to skip all by ourselves across the
floor while everyone watched. But not me. I had my
partner skipping with me.
Anyway, I think I will like it better next time, the
more I get used to it, the more fun it will be!
Love,
Kaitlyn”
Yes, imagine if you will ten little two year olds dancing around in a circle and then there was me. If I had known, I would have donned my Swan Lake attire so I could have at least fit in.
Now that she’s three we might go ahead and try something else. This time I was thinking gymnastics…she’s pretty flexible. I, of course, might break my neck on the vault (especially if I have to hold her) but, ahhhh, the things we do for our kids.
Don’t rush it folks. There will be plenty of time for activities as they get older and can really enjoy it and actually participate. When they hit their 6th year, they will want to be involved in everything from karate to football to singing lessons to dance. Keep toddler-hood simple. Take them to the local library for story time or to the park for a nice swing. Let the organized activities wait.