40代の主婦である敦子は、長女の久美と次女の亜美がダンスを習っていることに気をかけている。久美はダンスに熱心で楽しんでいるが、亜美は最近やる気をなくしている様子。次女の態度に悩む敦子は、夫に相談し、安心する。ファミリーでのダンス習慣について考え、子供の成長について反省し、次女がもう一度続けたいと思ったら全力でサポートすることを決意する。子供の成長と習い事の意義について考える。
Continuing from the previous article. I (Atsuko) am a housewife in my 40s with two daughters. My eldest daughter (Kumi) is a high school freshman, and my youngest daughter (Ami) is in the 5th grade. Kumi has been attending a dance class since she was a senior in elementary school, while Ami started when she was in 1st grade. Kumi is ambitious and seems to enjoy dance more than anything else. Ami also seemed to enjoy it when she first started, but lately it seems like it has just become a habit. In the upcoming recital, the lower grade team consists only of me. I’m torn between feeling like it’s a shame to give up after four years of dedication, and seeing Ami with a sad expression while dancing makes me wonder if I should continue to make her do it.
I’ve started to think, “Maybe she doesn’t have to continue,” but every time I see Ami’s lack of motivation towards dance, I think maybe it’s better to quit. On the other hand, I also feel regret about the results of these four years, so my feelings are complicated.
Ambiguous answers make me frustrated. Ami doesn’t learn anything else besides dance. I believe it’s important for her to have friends outside of school, but I don’t see that sense in her. While I was idly attending dance class, the recital took place. My husband went to watch too. My husband doesn’t usually attend rehearsals.
Kumi’s dance performance was so impressive that it electrified the audience. On the other hand, my husband asked, “Does Ami enjoy dancing?” The difference in reactions is clear.
I had been feeling this way for the past four years, but my feelings eased after my husband’s words. When I told the teacher I wanted to quit, they simply said, “Okay,” without encouraging Ami to continue. Knowing that the teacher did not have high expectations of me reassured me.
Watching Ami idly at home, I sometimes think about how maybe I should have let her continue, even if dance was her only extracurricular activity. On the other hand, it seems like Ami doesn’t have any experience of wanting to learn dance. This makes me think. I’ve realized that children’s lives can change faster than parents think. I realize now that I may have been overthinking the value of continuing. If Ami ever expresses interest in trying again, I will support her wholeheartedly.
Original Article: Mamasta Community Script: Rolling Dell Illustration: Kachiko Editing: Moe Tsukada