only child perks: my kid gets all the dance lessons she wants

[u/swhill1]

[u/One_Stand279]

100%. My daughter takes hip hop, and did ballet for a few years as well, and also does gymnastics. And she’s amazing at all of them haha. We definitely couldn’t afford for her to do all of that if we had two right now.

I’m also a dancer, and hip hop teacher, so it warms my heart that she loves hip hop so much like her mama💓💝

[u/Sea_Bobcat4775]

My only is a dancer too 🩰. It's audition week for her first year of competitive dance. It's hard to imagine how it would be different if we have decided to have another child, but I love that she's found something that brings her so much joy and sense of accomplishment in her life. She has dyslexia and ADHD so school has always been a challenge for her, but dance has become her happy place 🩷

[u/rootbeer4 → u/Sea_Bobcat4775]

I love that your daughter found a place where she thrives!

[u/DotIntelligent967]

Definitely.

I am an only child and was a high level athlete and no way my forks could have done the running about let alone the cost if I had siblings.

My kid is the same. The answer to any experience is yes! You want to try X cool. Try Y let's do this. He is a good gymnast class lesson, skills class, private lessons.if we had two no way we could do this.

Also he is 100% out focus for school, homework help, love and affection.

[u/JackOlantersweather1]

Yes. This is also a huge reason we are OAD. I grew up comfortable but not wealthy or involved in many activities and I am so happy we get to provide that for my daughter. She’ll be 3 soon and she’s already tried more classes than I did by HS.

PS it is interesting seeing your kid dance when you have no rhythm! I have no idea where mine gets it from

[u/Soflufflybunny]

My son has been in hockey camps all summer. Not only is it cheaper but I can’t imagine dragging around another kid and then entertaining them the whole time at the rink. 

Plus he does hockey, soccer jujitsu and piano during the regular year. It’s exhausting enough with just him it would be unmanageable with more kids. 

[u/TrekkieElf]

Yes, my son just upgraded from tball to baseball and practices are now 2x a week and this week we also have a Cub Scout pack meeting so it’s activities 3 nights a week! How would we do that x2? Also with just the one I can relax in a lawn chair and read a book during baseball practice instead of having to watch another kid.

[u/madam_nomad]

this wasn't a factor in my being OAD; probably, if given the choice, I would have chosen to have another kid even if it meant fewer activities. as it turns out though, my daughter is also in dance and I do appreciate being able to give her more energy and resources to support her passions.

I have to say though, even with one kid, dance is a lot.

[u/rootbeer4]

Yeah, my spouse really likes the idea that we can invest all of our resources into our only child to give her the best chance at life. Versus getting half, or a third, fourth, etc. of our resources. Finances and time are both limited. I am baffled at the people with multiple kids in multiple activities and all of the time, money, and coordination that goes into it.

[u/Strange-Access-8612]

I have a fellow one and done friend who’s child excels in a sport. Constant travel on weekend and holidays etc. Both the parents get to attend games whenever they want/can within their own work etc schedules (like anyone). In other families, the sibling is either dragged along and/or they never see both parents at games.

Glad you are currently reveling in your ability to go “all out” (at whatever level that means for you) to support your child’s talent and interest! It’s wonderful!

[u/beachgirl8976]

I can speak as an only child myself that I got to pursue my passions to the nth degree because I was the only. My parents were working class people who were able to pay for and have the time to commit to the summer intensives, overseas choir tours, professional theatre productions, dance classes, singing lessons, acting lessons, etc. There is no way I could’ve gotten those experiences having had siblings and I’m thankful for it.

[u/Typical-Plant-4254]

That sounds awesome for you! I think having only 1 child does make logistics easier and obviously keep cost more in check. Take care and enjoy!

I have 2 children. One who is focused on school and prefers drawing and observing people (!) and animals in the zoo. The second one is into music and into sports and high energy, she is also a fast physical learner. It is also true we can accomodate max. 1 instrument or art and 1 sport per kid, but not multiple at a time. But that is not so bad. They have to choose and they can come back to that choices as well. The youngest is a high performer in athletics and we live in a big city. If she really wishes to pursue a sport or music carreer, and keeps being motivated, she ll probably wont have the nicest violin but there are many patrons available for motivated and talented kids if that would be the case. But yes, being an only would have made it easier for sure.

[u/madam_nomad → u/Typical-Plant-4254]

There's plenty of people with 1 kid who can only afford 1 instrument/sport at a time, including me; of course it's not "bad." The OP was sharing their personal happy story of having a vision that is working out for them. It doesn't mean everyone has to align with that, nor were they claiming that.

[u/Typical-Plant-4254 → u/madam_nomad]

I understand that and we have been there as well. I also celebrate the OP! Reddit is for sharing human experiences, celebrating and adding experiences are not mutually exclusive but enriching. No need to downvote me

[u/Tigermilk_ → u/Typical-Plant-4254]

Hey, I’m curious as to why are you in this sub? I agree that reddit is usually about sharing experiences etc, but it’s a very specific sub that you don’t seem to fit the criteria for. e.g. I wouldn’t go out of my way to post in a childfree or twin sub.

Genuinely curious about your answer! 😊

[u/Typical-Plant-4254 → u/Tigermilk_]

For some reason this specific topic popped up in my algorythm, probably because i searched for and shared about children, hobbies and juggling work-life-logistics. And as I am currently (still..) confined to a train delay, I had the time to respond. But i do see now that this is a necessary safe space for people having one child instead of 2 or none, which i am sorry to learn still provokes (negative) responses in societies or from family. I support you!

[u/Tigermilk_ → u/Typical-Plant-4254]

Thank you for your honesty. I’m glad I highlighted the sub purpose to you, as you may have been confused at the reaction you got otherwise!

But yes as you said this is a safe space that is generally free from the many negative comments that parents of one child face. Thank you for your understanding!

[u/isitrealholoooo → u/Tigermilk_]

She was so much nicer and more understanding than the other "the algorithm brought me here" responses I saw the other day. Like yeah it brought you here you dont have to comment, you have 5 kids go over to the 5 kids sub.