As a child I loathed having to perform in these ghastly rituals. I have never attended any that my children have been in (Mrs S Nos 1 & 2 did/do attend) as I find the whole thing so embarrassing. None of the (5) children have ever actually wanted to perform and all fully understand why I will not go. They have all accepted my stance and have appreciated my absence as a means of reducing their embarrassment. I understand that some like doing it and good for them but to me it is plain wrong for teachers to insist that all children must take part. Accordingly I dish out "Sorry but Snoopy Jnr has a headache/toothache/appointment with Doctor/Dentist/Optician ... Has to attend his/her grandmother's funeral (again) notes on request.
I will
not have my children made to perform against their wishes.
Having said all that Teenage Daughter is now an accomplished musician (key boards/ guitar/ piano) and happily performs at any and every opportunity. Left alone they will come to it but force them and they will have problems with "public speaking" for years to come.
