Ballet Brawl

I have two ballarinas, ages 10 and 7. So graceful in their black leotards and pink tights. Swan like with their hair pulled back.

Not the case yesterday.

I parked the Blue mama van on the street in front of the Ballet Studio (on the 3rd floor). The 2 year old is napping in the car and she NEEDS her nap. I asked 10 year old to walk the 7 year old down the street and up three flights of stairs to the studio. Simple, yes? No. The 7 year old does NOT want her sister's help. I am well aware of that, but she needs someone to walk with her. We have this same discssion every week.

So, they start walking down the street. 7 year old runs ahead. 10 year old runs to catch up to her. 7 year old stops and backs up. 10 year old backs up too. 7 year old slings her large pink dance bag (full of ballet and heavy tap shoes) and hits 10 year old in the arm. 10 year old grabs the arm of 7 year old and spanks her.

By that time I am furious. I had watched this in the rearview mirror of my car. I get out of the car and the process starts again. 7 year old runs ahead. 10 year old runs to catch up to her...... you get the picture. This is on a city sidewalk outside the Little Theater.

10 year old did manage to get 7 year old to dancing class. I was waiting on the sidewalk when 10 year old walked up and the first thing she said was "I didn't do anything".

I had a nice conversation with 7 year old in her dancing class and I feel sure that the threat of a spanking in front of her entire ballet class is enough to get her attention.

We will see what happens next Monday afternoon.

God help me!