Five Ways to Get Your Child Out of Their Shell

[Edited 14/10/21]

Some children are just naturally shy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have what it takes to make it onto the stage. And of course, the last several months would have seen even the most confident of children revert to hiding in their shells.

Check out our other blog: Five Reasons why Acting Classes for Kids are Beneficial

Here are our 5 ways to get your child out of their shell

Praise

Often, we hand out general praise for a good effort or piece of art but rarely think about what it is we’re praising. Be specific and recognise the individual effort that has gone into something. Don’t overdo your praise; reserve it for when it means something.

Model self-confidence

If you’re looking to help your child overcome shyness, show them how it’s done. Be the role model they can copy and get tips from. You have more influence than you think over your child’s behaviour.

Small steps

You’re not expecting your child to take to the stage immediately; getting them to sit and watch a class with you might be the first step. Don’t push for giant leaps; small steps are what it takes to get there.

Raise a resilient child

Things will go wrong, and they will fail, but it’s how they deal with it that counts. Show your child how to bounce back and keep trying. Resilience is a skill that will prove useful throughout their lives.

Encourage a wide range of interests

Being the best at one thing is great, but having a wide range of interests and hobbies will help your child see that they’re capable of lots more than they thought. This might be sport, stage school, or something quieter and more artistic. It’s having a go that counts.

Our Theatre & Film School is well-experienced in encouraging the best from young actors and helping children reach their full potential. If you would like to discuss how we could potentially help build the confidence in your child, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@annafiorentini.com or phone 0207 682 1403.