Most articles about kids starting dance classes cover the benefits the child receives from dance. This article focuses on what a parent can get from enrolling their child in dance.
Yes, the child can benefit from the exercise they get dancing, the new friends they meet, the discipline and creativity involved with dance, and the respect that a good dance studio teaches.
Sometimes, like at school, the dance teachers often become a young child’s role model. But what benefits might a parent expect from their child starting dance? Here are a few possibilities:
Quiet time while your child is in class
After a hard day at work and running your child to dance class, while the child is in the dance room, it might afford you time to relax, read a book/magazine or just sit there observing your child learning and growing as a dancer.
Catch up with friends or meet NEW friends
At our studio, we see mothers/fathers catching up with their friends while their children are in the dance room.
With parents running such hectic schedules, sometimes during dance class is the only time to catch up with friends/neighbors. I keep hearing stories from parents about how they have become great friends with people they met at the studio or reconnected with a friend from the past that just happened to have a child dancing at that studio.
Catch up on some work you have to get done
With parents often hectic schedules at home and work, some parents use the hour or so their child is dancing to finish up the last minute business activities they need to get done. They can do this before heading home after dance to get dinner ready for the family, help the kids with homework, get baths done and get kids put to bed.
Watching your child learning a new skill
We see and hear amazing stories of children learning to express themselves, gain self-confidence, develop teamwork; skills that will pay off for them in the future. And the parent gets the opportunity to see these skills developing right in front of their eyes.
Having your child get another strong role model
That’s why picking the right studio with the right teachers and philosophy is so important. Most parents benefit from their children having strong role models in their life that reinforce the same value system you have for your family. Your child’s dance teacher can be such a role model.
Experience your child just having FUN
What a great time it is to just sit back and watch your child learn new things while having fun. It not only gives your child a pick-me-up, it can have a positive impact in your life as well.
So dance isn’t just great for kids, it holds a lot of benefits for parents as well. The next time you take your child to dance, stop and think what you did for yourself during the hour or so your child was dancing. It might surprise you.
