But I think Chucki said that her daughter DID mind the nickname and didn't feel comfortable speaking up? That changes things for me. It isn't just a crazy parent trying to be in control, but a child (who has a history of not sticking up for herself, despite parents working on the situation..) being unhappy with a situation and unable to do something about it.

Didn't make it to the end of the thread, so sorry if I repeat what someone else said... Hm. Guess I seem pretty obnoxious in my DD's dance class. I almost always wear my glasses because I'm sensitive to the sunlight coming through the front glass, and I pretty much sit far away from everyone because I don't like being touched and feel awkward trying to make small talk. It's interesting to think of how others see us, isn't it? I have a kid like this, so I can understand where you were coming from by speaking up yourself. Maybe if you had explained that to the other parent? "Bobbie Joe doesn't really like being called Bob, she really prefers Bobbie Joe. But she's a little shy and doesn't want to hurt your daughter's feelings. Would you mind passing on the message so neither girl feels awkward?" (I have a Jenna. People try to shorten her name to Jenny and Jen. Uhm, NO! First, Jenny is no shorter than Jenna. Second, Jen is my best friend, not my daughter. Third- her name is JENNA!!!! :tongue_smilie:)

Well, French alone is going to help learning another language. If that were the case, I'd think about putting Latin off some. Waiting a couple years isn't going to hurt since Latin isn't a language you need to be able to speak.

What is the future in these activities? Are they both just for fun? If so, I'd say she really should make the decision. If she appears to have a future in gymnastics, I'd say yes, drop choir for gymnastics. My reasoning is that taking time of from gymnastics would be more detrimental. She can always continue to pursue singing on her own and get back into choir later.

Oh yeah, this reminds me of the question I wanted to ask (to the OP): does the child in question WANT to do two languages? That can make a difference also. In my situation, I was planning on waiting another year or so to add a second language, but DD is adamant that she wants to do a second, NOW, and has the motivation for it.

:grouphug::grouphug: I've been where you are now. If you need to talk, please feel free to PM me. Cancer sucks. It's my new motto.

Not at all. 2 languages is well within possibility if you have the time. Remember that children in countries other than the United States often grow up with three languages: mother, father, and community; or parents, community and school. I agree with others that it's best to stagger the languages. Start one and wait at least a couple months before starting the next. My DD is doing French now. We're adding Spanish in over the summer, and then Portuguese in 2013. She'll also study Latin in late elementary, but we won't worry about speaking it much, just about grammar/written components.

bumping this since it was buried a few pages back. :D

First: :grouphug:. It is very overwhelming. But remember; it's good that we're overwhelmed- it means there are lots of choices out there! I would spend some time browsing on these boards. Just scroll backwards and open up the threads that look interesting. There is so much good information here. I regularly find myself reading old posts. Once you have done that, I'll bet you find yourself with more focused questions. I would also start with the big ones: reading, writing, and math. Then add the extras in from there.

Actually I am currently looking for a new place. And one of my mandatory requirements is one level or on the first level. My mother (who is moving in with us) has arthritis and difficulty walking sometimes, plus an aging dog. Both would be very inconvenienced by two levels.

As the mother of a daughter, all I have to say is: :lol::lol::lol::lol: Thread of the year, definitely.

:bigear: This program looks very interesting...

I want to be a college professor. But I didn't know that until I was about... 22? 23? And it took having a child to make me realize where my real priorities were. (Intellectually stimulating and flexible schedules at the very top.) I think it is a rare person who picks what they want to do as a child and then actually does it for the rest of their life. I mean, at 13 we don't really know what life holds for us. Before I had my daughter, I wanted to be a forensic pathologist, but then I realized how tough the schedule is, the amount and difficulty of the education required (med school. ack!) with a child, etc. I aim to give my daughter a well-rounded, liberal education that will prepare her to be successful in college and for careers in any field.

:iagree: Alarm clocks scare me. My heart starts racing, I shake a little, and just *feel* scared inside, like I'm being threatened. I use my phone now, which plays music and gets louder as time goes by. It's a little better.

:lol::lol::lol: Sorry. But.... your username is DOLPHIN. It made me laugh that you don't eat fish. (Maybe I need a nap.... lol.)

I thought fish were supposed to be super-healthy? Geez... everything is suspect these days! :tongue_smilie: I don't eat fish anyway. Can't stand the texture. And I've gotten a number of "lectures" telling me how healthy it is... now I have a response!! :lol:

I agree that they have slightly different demographics but... all I was saying is that for the people who eat out as a special treat, I believe the new menu will deter people from choosing Chick-Fil-A over other places. It's not really a treat if they force parents to either get the fruit and milk or pay extra.

So, you CAN'T get fries and soda with a kids meal? I'm already part of a boycott on chick-fil-a, but this would be one more reason not to eat there. We don't eat out often, but when we do it's specifically as a treat. We can have fruit and milk at home (and in fact.... that's just what DD is eating now for lunch! :tongue_smilie:) I think chick-fil-a will not like the results of this change on their profits.

I was just going to suggest this. I would barter child care for dance classes in a heart beat- it's so expensive!!! I bet there would be many people willing to do this.

Can I just say that I love this thread? Only because I love the word schadenfreude. But, :grouphug:. Sorry for the tough lesson!

:grouphug: Not sure I have any advice, since I am only parenting one and obviously needs are much, much different than parenting many but... :grouphug:

Oooh, some of these are cute! They don't have any of the smaller ones in green, but.... the butterfly or heart might be good enough. Thanks.

Does anyone have experience with the First Act brand of musical instruments (sold at Toys R Us). DD wants the accordion, bongos, and percussion pack. They *look* like good quality, but I don't want to waste money on something that is going to sound badly. Also... what are the options for buying guitars? I've checked amazon and my local guitar shop, but they don't have what I'm looking for, which is a 3/4 size green electric guitar. Shaped like a star or heart would be a plus, but has to be green. :tongue_smilie: ...oh birthday shopping, how I love thee.

That's what I'm using with my DD5. We tried both OPGTR and 100EZ and DD hated both. Now we are using primarily Progressive Phonics and AAS, and occasionally getting out the BOB book sets and Nora Gaydos readers from the library for more fun. It seems to be working well.

There are many reasons. Her and my father were already planning on following me to graduate school (in 18 months) and moving in with us to help me with DD. Plus, my mom can't stay by herself at night (anxiety reasons- not health reasons). She does want to move with us, this part isn't me forcing anything on her! I promise I didn't mean anything by the old people comment... I really was being snarky because I knew it would make my mom laugh. I don't see her as old at all! Thank you. Everyone. I definitely don't want her to feel patronized... I guess I just feel so.. useless. DD and I both have a lot going on, stuff to keep us busy and not focusing on what's happened. I'm really worried about her sitting around, thinking about my Dad all day. I guess I'll leave her be, and hope that being with us will help.