Performing arts activities like singing, dancing and acting can be a great hobby for children. It can help them develop confidence, social skills, and a sense of accomplishment. However, the performing arts can also be unpredictable and challenging. There will be times when your child will face disappointment, rejection, and criticism. It is during these times that resilience will come in handy.
Why resilience matters in the performing arts
There are a number of reasons why resilience is so important for young performers. For starters, the performing arts can be competitive at times. Even if your child is not planning on pursuing a career in the arts in Singapore, they will likely still be competing against their teammates for lead roles in school performances or prizes in dance competitions.
It is hence essential for children to understand that not everyone can win all the time; sometimes they will lose out to someone else. If your child can learn to brush off these losses and see failures as learning opportunities, they will be better equipped to handle other types of challenges as they grow older.
In addition, being part of the performing arts requires grit and determination. Rehearsals can be long and tiring, especially for children who already have full schedules with school and other extracurricular activities. As a result, there will be times when your child will feel like giving up; it is vital that they have the emotional resilience to pick themselves up and continue chasing their dreams even when the going gets tough.
How to build resilience in children
As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child face rejection, especially when it comes to their passions. However, it is important to remember that these setbacks are only temporary. Ultimately, their tenacity will serve them well in their future careers. With that in mind, here are some tips for developing resilience in your child.
Encourage them to set goals
When children have specific goals they are working towards, they are more likely than ever to work hard for them. As your child explores their strengths and passions, help them break down their goals into smaller chunks so that they can track their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment along the way.
Simply motivate them to keep going
One of the best ways you can instil resilience in your child is by simply encouraging them to stick with it in spite of challenges. Whether they’re struggling to memorise their lines for a monologue or feeling nervous about their Direct School Admission (DSA) application, let them know that you believe in their ability to overcome any obstacle.
Praise their effort as well as successes
It can make a difference when your child is praised for their hard work as well as their achievements. This sends the message that you value their efforts even when things don’t go according to plan. Try using phrases such as, “I’m proud of you for trying so hard,” or “I know you’re disappointed, but I’ve seen how much effort you’ve put in.”
By taking this approach, you can help your child develop healthy self-esteem and become more resilient in the face of adversity. In the process, your child will gradually learn to see failure as an opportunity to learn, rather than something to be avoided at all costs.
Nurture your child’s talents
With hard work, dedication and a positive attitude, your child will grow from each setback and emerge stronger than before. By developing emotional resilience in your child at an early age, you’ll be setting them up for success both on and off the stage.
At MindChamps Académie of Stars Singapore, your child can confidently hone their skills in singing, theatre acting and music performances in a supportive environment. Find out more about our performing arts programmes by contacting us today.