Practical Ways Of Supporting Your Child’s Journey In Competitive Performing Arts
Navigating the world of competitive performing arts can be both exhilarating and challenging for young performers and their parents. As a parent, your role is crucial in providing the support and guidance your child needs to thrive. Here are some practical ways to support your child’s journey, drawing on insights and strategies that have proven effective.
1. Create a Balanced Emotional Environment
Scenario: Your child is rejected in an audition.
- Action: Sit down with your child and discuss the experience. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that rejection is a part of the journey. Share stories of famous performers who faced rejection but persevered. Help them identify what they learned from the experience and how they can improve for next time.
2. Trust the Professionals
Scenario: Your child disagrees with their coach’s feedback.
- Action: Encourage your child to approach the coach respectfully to discuss their concerns. Remind them that coaches have their best interests at heart and that open communication can lead to better understanding and growth. Reinforce the importance of trusting the expertise of their mentors.
3. Encourage Visualisation and Coping Strategies
Scenario: Your child feels anxious before a big performance.
- Action: Guide them through a visualisation exercise where they imagine themselves performing confidently and successfully. Teach them deep breathing techniques to calm their nerves. Encourage them to rehearse their coping strategies, such as positive self-talk or focusing on the joy of performing.
4. Provide a Productive Practice Environment
Scenario: Your child struggles to stay focused during practice.
- Action: Set up a distraction-free practice area with all necessary materials. Create a practice schedule with short, focused sessions and breaks in between. Use a timer to keep track of practice time and celebrate small achievements to keep motivation high.
5. Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Achievements
Scenario: Your child feels discouraged after not winning a competition.
- Action: Highlight the progress they’ve made and the hard work they’ve put in. Celebrate their dedication and the skills they’ve developed, regardless of the outcome. Encourage them to set new goals and remind them that every experience is a step forward.
6. Manage Performance Anxiety
Scenario: Your child experiences stage fright before a performance.
- Action: Teach them to observe their emotions without judgment. Encourage them to focus on their breathing and the physical sensations in their body. Remind them that it’s normal to feel nervous and that these feelings will pass. Practice mindfulness exercises together to help them stay present.
7. Support Healthy Habits
Scenario: Your child feels fatigued during rehearsals.
- Action: Ensure they have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Encourage regular physical activity to build stamina and strength. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to ensure they are well-rested and ready for rehearsals.
8. Document the Journey
Scenario: Your child achieves a personal milestone in their performance.
- Action: Capture the moment with photos or videos and create a scrapbook or digital album. Encourage your child to write a journal entry reflecting on their achievement and what it means to them. Review these memories together to celebrate their growth and progress.
9. Prepare for Auditions
Scenario: Your child is preparing for an important audition.
- Action: Conduct mock auditions at home to simulate the real experience. Encourage them to research the audition requirements and tailor their performance to highlight their unique talents.
By implementing these practical strategies, you can provide a strong foundation for your child’s journey in competitive performing arts. Your support, encouragement, and understanding are invaluable assets that will empower them to navigate the challenges and triumphs of this dynamic, yet challenging world.
