Parenting Tips: Encouraging Your Child on Her First Stage Performance

She would be performing live on stage next week for her first piano recital. She is nervous but you're more nervous. This is natural as all performers could attest, they always get the butterflies in their stomachs before a show. Once she gets used to it, then the next performance would be easier.

As a parent, how would you encourage and support your child so she could give out her best in her performance? The following are parenting tips in doing this:

1. Instill in her the value of a proper mind set.

Let her understand that belief in self is very important; that for her to achieve success she has to have that unwavering faith that she could do it. Instruct her to psyche herself everyday; envisioning the successful conclusion of her performance. If the child is very young, then help her with it. Let her close her eyes, as you describe to her the positive scene.

2. Prepare for the recital thoroughly.

"Practice makes perfect" is still applicable with psychomotor skills. Don't leave any stone unturned. If she misses a note or a dance step during practice, keep at it until she could do it correctly. Make her aware that being well prepared would make her more self-confident.

3. Let her practice breathing exercises.

Before the recital she could do breathing exercises to keep her calm. Deep inhalation and exhalation would do wonders for her to stay relaxed.

4. If you could afford it, let her be coached by an expert.

Every parent wants the best for her/his child. You could provide her a proper training from an expert in that particular field; be it singing, piano, ballet, violin, dancing, or other fields.

5. Conduct a dress rehearsal /dry run before a live audience.

You can enlist the help of relatives to become her audience. You should go through all the motions like it was the real thing. Afterwards, solicit suggestions from the audience to improve it. Make her understand that she should welcome constructive suggestions, if she wanted to perfect her craft. Who knows she might emerge as a world renowned performer in her particular field.

Seeing your child perform successfully on stage would give you a feeling of pride and accomplishment, because the success of your child is your success as well; so give it your best shot and break a leg!