Regrets

[Genevieve]

. Due to finances full time stage school is not an option and I'm already worrying about whether I should sell the house etc to put her into full time stage school to give her a better chance of achieving her goal, but reading your comments has given me hope that what talent she has will shine through at her audition and hopefully get her a place

Absolutely wouldn't even consider doing such a thing - I think your right in that you've got to believe your dd will get where she wants to get to through her own determination and ability,and with the statistics not being great, which is fair to say - and taking into account like with anything it's all about a bit of luck too ....her journey shouldn't start as a negative financially crippling way of living from the outset like you selling the house !!
There's so many knowledgeable people on here to share experiences to advise you about ways to help your dd without drastic measures - like with any career path, and development of it. Depending on her age too, as has been said, - directions our dds and dss want to go in, can change, and a few times too !

[paulears]

The one thing I have also discovered is that a very large percentage of mums (rarely dads) who used to tell me at college interview at 16 about how good their kids were and how much they'd ooze performing if you cut them, was that very rarely did they kids really have what their parents were seeing. Very often, they'd been told how great they were since they were not even in their teens, that they believed it - but then at college found that although their grades in one unit were excellent, they were quite limited in others. The dance teacher would often be so frustrated that their skill level was so mismatched between styles. The acting teacher couldn't keep their interest unless the production had singing in it, and many were quite unable to 'unlearn' bad habits that they'd practiced for years. I think it would be great if parents could always have a third opinion from an outsider. Being the No.1 in a local dance school, or amateur group means very little if when they moved to another, they'd be nowhere near the top - and that happens quite a bit.

[nextinline]

A lot of sense as always on this site. The job is definately not glamorous and you need three things, talent, work ethic and luck (right time right place). The best training for this is being flexible, trying new classes and showing commitment. I sort of think if you are meant to do it you will stick it out whether you are hugely successful or not. If it is not for you you will quickly find out. It is all about teamwork and no ego. I think the kids and parents on here are well aware of how to behave but I know what you mean Paulears: there are a few who seem to 'live the dream for their offspring'. Kids have one life like everyone else and it is theirs to determine. It is hard being a parent isn't it!

[francescasmum]

nextinline, I think there are 4 things you need, you missed out 'a thick skin' to deal with the rejections and back biting.

[nextinline]

So true francescasmum, it is certainly a life skill worth having whatever you are doing.