Showtime!

Mair in 'Send in the Clowns"

Having just written a post about the expenses incurred for a wedding I am now wrting about another huge bill.............dance lessons!
I think it is a great shame, that our children are divided by how many after school activities parents can afford.
We tend to fall into the middle category. Our children are fortunate enough to be busy doing quite a few activities, however not nearly as many as some of them would like.
Some of these activities are thankfully, realitivly inexpensive. All the children have gone through (or are going through) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. I was Queen's Guide so have always wanted my children to continue with these worthwhile activities that teach them so many practical skills.

Martha in 'Miss Saigon"

Two of the girls go to Army Cadets and all it's many training weekends and activities. As these are subsidised by the amry it is an excellent activity to go too.
Most of the children are also working/worked their way through their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, again, I did this and furture employers still comment on this on my CV.

Mair in 'Custard Pie"

There are also the swimming lessons. The pre requiste is that they must learn to swinm. My mother did not learn till she was 25 and I can remember her descibing how this felt. My father got thrown in the local stream by his older brothers frequently so he learnt naturally let us say!!! Some of the children chose to continue this as an activity, others did the basics and then chose to leave. All can swim I am proud to say.

Martha in ' Send in the Clowns" 

Then there are the music lessons. At one stage these were provided free in Primary school, but with all the cost cutting sadly no longer. The children have all learnt the recorder, trebel and some of the double recorder. Martha particulary loved these. Some have learnt the flute, all the girls learnt the violin, Miriam excelled at this and continued untill at 14 it was not deemed cool to lug a violin around, sadly. Of course she regrets this now. Hind sight is a wonderful thing. Luke taught himself the drums and Martha is teaching herself guitar (with help from dad). Again , I always wanted the children to at least be able to read music!

Bella in 'Baby be Mine"

After all these activities are the more expensive, individual ones.
Over the years these have included Skiing lessons, Horse Riding lessons, and all the girls have learnt Ballet. They all loved to dance and have chosen to persue this in its many shapes and forms including modern, jazz, pointes, street dance, singing and musical theatre. These are NOT cheap. Not only do you factor in the lessons but also the exam fees and extra lessons and equipment. My children would live in the dance studio if given the choice and it always upsets me that no matter what we pay for they would love to be able to do more.

Martha in 'Hans Anderson"

Watching the show this weekend made me burst with pride. It made every sacrifice over the years to pay for the bills and the clothing worthwhile. Watching my children come alive on stage and seeing the sheere enjoyment they get is worth every penny. They have to work extreemly hard as most are at much higher levels of dance now. It had disciplined them (the teachers are strict) as well as keeping them very healthy and active. The dance lessons take up a large part of our Saturdays as well as nights in the week. Yes, we could be doing other things, but this is far more important

Bella in 'Hans Anderson"

The boys have done atheletics regulary and now want to try some sort of martial arts, which again will stand them in good stead confidence wise.
Children have to learn they cannot do everything they wish, but they also need to be given the opportunity to find their talents and strengths whatever they may be. Some activities are thankfully very inexpensive and anyone can join, others are sadly more specialised and can be expensive.
It's been a pleasure to watch the children over the years grow and develop in ways we certainly never imagined.

Ella and Mair in 'The Travel Song"

Bella in 'Drop dead Beautiful"

 Although I am exhausted from the chasing about at the weekend and the house is still a tip from my absence is was certainly worth it. In two years time I will have 5 children in the next show!