So, your little one has caught the drama bug? That’s fantastic! Drama can be a truly transformative experience; boosting confidence, creativity, and communication skills. As a parent, you play a crucial role in nurturing your child’s enjoyment of drama, whether that is stage performances or weekly classes – or both! Here are a few tips for parents!

1. Be Supportive and Encouraging

  • Ask them what they did in class. Share their delight and curiosity, find out who their friends at class are.
  • Attend performances: Show your child that you’re proud of them by attending their performances. Your presence can make a huge difference in their confidence.
  • Offer positive reinforcement: Tell them when you notice them trying something new or stepping out of their comfort zone. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Positive feedback can go a long way in motivating them.
  • Create a supportive environment: Encourage them to practise their lines at home and help them with any props or costumes they may need.

2. Encourage Creative Expression

  • Play games: Board games, card games, and role-playing games can help develop imagination and creativity.
  • Read together: Share books and stories that spark their imagination.
  • Watch plays and musicals: Expose them to a variety of theatrical performances.
  • Provide art supplies: Encourage them to draw, paint, and write about their ideas.

3. Offer Constructive Feedback

  • Be specific: Instead of saying, “That was good,” offer specific feedback like, “I really liked the way you used your voice to show emotion.”
  • Focus on the positive: Highlight their strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Encourage self-reflection: Ask them to reflect on their own performance and identify areas they’d like to work on.

4. Help Them Manage Stage Fright

  • Practise, practise, practise: The more they practise, the more confident they’ll become.
  • Positive visualisation: Encourage them to visualise themselves performing successfully.
  • Deep breathing exercises: Teach them simple breathing techniques to calm their nerves.
  • Positive self-talk: Remind them of their strengths and capabilities.

5. Balance Drama with Other Activities

  • Encourage a well-rounded life: Make sure they have time for schoolwork, hobbies, and social activities.
  • Set limits: Help them balance their time between drama and other commitments.
  • Keep the fun! It’s tempting to cut out extra-curricular activities during revision and exam time, but remember that your child may need a fun outlet during this otherwise stressful time.

Remember, the goal is to nurture their passion, not push them too hard. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, you can help your child reach their full potential.