When’s the right time?

Question

My toddler is 2 and I would like to start to do the split with her, guide her to dance and be flexible! My mom says it’s the perfect time but is it? I don’t want to enroll her in classes yet, I’d rather guide her myself like I was shown and if she wants to continue herself will do that. Anyone, coaching their young ones in art and dance, tips and tricks?

Answer

I think I’m order to see if she likes it, you have to put her in the environment. At this age, I think it’ll be more about the socialization, learning, and memory. I wouldn’t focus on the physical aspect of dance yet. Now is the perfect time to practice being involved with extra curricular activities. This is just my opinion but doing those things at home isn’t giving her the chance to see if she likes it. It’s grooming her to just do it. If she likes it in class, then I’d bring it home.

Answer

We enrolled our 2.5 year old in dance and she loves it. They don't do a whole lot of dancing at this age but she has a great time

Answer

For any activity: dance, soccer, basket weaving, etc., it has to be child-led or they will grow up to resent it. 2.5 is a good age to introduce some kids to a wide variety of activities (although 3-5 is often better since they have more attention span and coordination). But it’s an introduction. It will probably not really look like the thing until they’re 6 or 7. 
And they should get to try a lot of things. You never know where their passions will land and if you try to pick for them, they may do it to please you for a while, but you’re ultimately fighting a losing battle.
The only caveat to this is I’m having my daughter (3.5yo) take gymnastics and swimming right now as “required” activities. Not because I expect her to be a competitive gymnast or swimmer someday , but because you need to learn how to swim and it’s much easier to do when you’re younger and because beginning gymnastics (or dance) is good for all around coordination, flexibility, and strength. When she’s a little older, she’ll get to pick more. 
For all around fitness and flexibility reasons, dance may be great for your daughter, but don’t go into it thinking she’ll definitely do it long-term (past 1st grade).

When’s the right time?

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