My husband and I have been respecting the decision or request made by our firstborn (she is 4 years old) since young. As we noticed those lessons (ballet, pony riding, wushu class) that she requested by herself, she will put in her utmost effort and do it all by herself without us having to remind her at all. To both my husband and myself, we are not so much into academic or survival skill; we feel that by developing her talents (her purpose in life) she might excel or be even more successful in life. However, we were told otherwise that we should only invest her time in "surviving activities" like swimming, music class, "I can read" or special class that start them on the right foot for better grades, etc. I don't feel like forcing her and mould her into a "standard" child but worry my decision might cause her left behind in the future when she starts schooling. Hope the mommies and daddies here can share with me on some good advice.

Anonymous

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It is your child and whatever she wants and is interested in, you should honour. If you feel that your daughter's future interests will be better served with the lessons you've mentioned above, why not? Why should we bend to the status quo? Who knows, your child might have a unique skill. In my opinion, as long you've equipped her with the basic skills (which is what mainstream school will assist in), everything else is fair game. I reckon there is no such thing as "surviving activities". There are different ways to harness your child's skills and development and it shouldn't just be confined to the traditional ones.

Anonymous

8y ago

Thanks!! I feel the same as you too. But start to wondering and can't help to feel worry when I notice all the kids around me are taking the standard "surviving skill" like Swimming, music, language class etc.

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Home Toddler husband i have been respecting decision request make firstborn 4 year old since young noticed those lessons ballet pony riding wushu class that request herself put in utmost effort herself without having remind both husband myself not much into academic survival skill feel that developing talents purpose in life might excel more successful in life however told otherwise that should only invest time in surviving activities like swimm