Just Like That, I am Back

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 If I said I was back, would you believe me? Blogging is complicated, and there are so many "get rich quick" blogging schemes that make it look like you are a lost cause if you are not currently earning money blogging. And why are you even blogging if you don't have multiple streams of income and entertainment. If you don't have a brand? I do have this website, but I do not have Instagram, Twitter, TikTok (you don't want to see me dance), or whatever is next.  Heck, I haven't even updated this since before the pandemic. So why am I here, writing about being back and then, probably ghosting for another two years? Life has been rough. It's been painful and overwhelming. I am so thankful for you my readers, or what is left of you. I am so thankful you are reading this post. I am so thankful that you are still committed to making the world a more exciting and more sustainable place.  Keep up-cycling my friends, and you never know, I might be back again with an

The End of Irish Dancing

Parenting can be heartbreaking.

Phoebe's first day of Irish Dancing
My daughter started Irish dancing this year. I was so excited and she absolutely loves it.

Every Tuesday I take my two little ones to class, I ordered some snazzy school gear, and I got some really cool presents for her teachers.

We are all good right?

Sadly, we weren't. See my sweet little one is just that, a sweet little one. She has a bit of an attention problem. One of the dance school founders pulled me aside and we had the "talk."

I wasn't expecting it, but I wasn't surprised.  She recommended we maybe take a little break until next September.

Again, I wasn't surprised. I know listening is not her strong suit. I wanted to believe that she was paying good attention, I wanted to believe that as we were practicing at home she was getting it. I wanted to believe this was working out.

She absolutely adores going to Irish Dancing class, but her favorite part is before class running around and playing tag with the other girls. She likes to be social to the point where it might be taking away from the other kids who do focus.

So as my heart was breaking I couldn't argue. I knew that we needed to take a little time off, I know she is guaranteed to get a spot next year. It's just that now I have to tell everyone.  As she gets some great Irish dancing themed presents what the frick am I supposed to say?

Thanks, we have been asked to take a break? Thank you but my daughter has the attention span of an ant? Thanks, but I suck as parent?

That last one is not true, but that is how I feel.  I feel like this is somehow my fault. I should have had her practice more, waited a year before getting her involved, made sure she actually listened.

I feel like I have done something wrong and now I have to tell friends and family I generally suck as a parent, my daughter, for all intensive purposes, was asked to not come back after Christmas break, and did I mention I suck?

I know, I don't suck. It's not the end of the world, and a few months away will not hurt anyone. It's not like she was going to start competing at the age of five? I was kindly told she is not the first child that this has happened with and she will not be the last.

Did I mention I  had to be the one to tell her that we have to take a break from Irish dancing (which made her cry for about a minute and a half, obviously it is much harder on mommy).

So parenting can suck. It can be heartbreaking, and I can be a bit oversensitive about something that is in the grand scheme of things not a big deal.

So for now we are saying good-bye to Irish Dancing. I will miss you. Don't worry though because Phoebe and I will be back and ready to pay attention in the Fall.

Oh and I am not bitter, I do not harbor any hard feelings to anyone, and I know I don't suck.

Comments

L.A. said…
Hey robin, how old is your daughter? Unless she's under five, I'm surprised that the studio asked you guys to "take a break" from class! And that's coming from a dance teacher (I teach 3 year olds-that's rough). Don't feel like a bad parent-it's always a two way street with young students. As long as you discipline your child at home they are ok in class (this is what I have found).
Awww, it is heartbreaking!! You'll both be fine. :) My daughter Irish dances and it is tough but she didn't start until she was in 3rd grade.
Robin Ange said…
She just turned five on November 5th so she was four when she started. She was the youngest in the class, and probably the only one who is not in kindergarten yet. Still bummed me out because it was like bam, no warning, but again I know she is not the best listener.
Liz said…
You do not suck! I think perhaps the teachers do a little for not raising it with you as a problem before now and giving you a chance to work out a solution.
Hang in there and don't take it personally. My 1st grader is super smart and one of the best readers in her whole grade...and her lowest marks on her report card were in listening and following directions. We struggle with the following directions at home too...but it's just her personality. It's not your fault as a parent. It's something she's going to need to grow into. The best we can do with our daughter is keep working with her on it and encouraging her in the areas where she's really strong.
Jodie said…
I work at an Irish restaurant, and one of my fellow servers (and dear friends) went through this as well. You are fab. And so is your daughter. In the future she may want to try again!

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