I’ve been pretty relaxed on scheduling Will for things. We’ve done some swimming lessons (repeating Level 1 for the fourth time this spring) and a few soccer classes. Last summer we did nothing. I really don’t want to be the over scheduling type of parent. I want him to be a kid.
But a few months ago, I saw a sign for acting classes for kids. I looked up the program and it turns out it’s an hour and a half for 4-6 year-olds. They spend half an hour on dance, singing and acting each. It’s play based and has run successfully around the world. I got really excited about it for him. Will is a natural performer. Perhaps not on a stage yet, but when no one is watching, the kid is all about singing and making up stories. He has different voices for his ‘guys’ and can stop you dead with one of his dramatic looks. (like this one). I really think he’ll love it.
Here’s another reason I think it’s important. I want him to be confident from the get-go. I don’t want him to suffer from the same anxiety that I have suffered from in the past. I went to a workshop recently on how to recognize and deal with anxiety in children. I’m not worried about anything right now, but he’s definitely genetically prone to it. I asked what I could do to try and fend off the issue before it starts. An older woman in the crowd who could barely speak english stood up, looked me directly in the eye and tearfully explained that both of her adult children suffer from crippling anxiety. She urged me to start Will in confidence building activities like acting now.
I thanked her and sat down and smiled. I had registered him the week before.
He better not forget me in his Oscar acceptance speech…or bring some tart to the ceremony instead of his mother.
HI Sara,
Thanks so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it and will check out both. Funny enough i don’t know but read an article or a post you wrote a while back and realized i know your sister as my older son and her child attended the same school in Etobicoke a few years ago. Thanks again!
HI Tanya – My neighbourhood LAMP facility put on the workshop but the key speaker was Darlene – and this is her website – http://www.raisingsociallyanxiouschildrenblog.com/2012/03/31/my-kids-anxiety-book-just-like-you/
She was AMAZING. And very open to helping and offering advice.
Will is doing Stagecoach http://www.stagecoachschools.ca/
He really liked it after the first half an hour…and says he’s excited to go back this weekend!
Sounds like your son and I share the same anxiety issues. My fingers are destroyed. Hope this info helps you out!!!
HI Sara…in my shy 6 year old son i have seen signs of anxiety ie picking at fingers when nervous, to afraid to speak up, freezing…was wondering what workshop you went to? Was the acting class by GBTC. i live in the suburbs and saw a flyer for these classes and called but was unsure. Nice to know if Will attended GBTC and you were pleased.
thanks so much!
My girls both suffer from clinical anxiety (one has social and general anxiety disorders, the other has separation anxiety) – and both enjoyed being in the community drama lessons for several years. It’s a great way to help them build confidence and stretch themselves (in one area at least). And if he’s already a natural-born performer, he’ll love it even more.
Even if performing in public isn’t their trigger for anxiety, it gives them a touchstone for feeling good about themselves. I can’t tell you how much it meant to my oldest to be able to know that despite how scary some everyday situations were for her, most kids would be too scared get on stage and deliver lines in a play, but she did so with confidence.
This way, if he is prone to anxiety and it rears its ugly head later in life, you can say, “but Will – you’re so brave already – look how many times you’ve been on stage! Most kids are too scared to do that but YOU are so brave that you can. So you see? You CAN jump in the deep end/go to school/go on a sleepover…”
Awesome Sara! My kids are both quite shy – especially when they were younger. Slowly they are coming out of their shells. We’ve been fortunate to have both boys have one specific teacher at school who uses her acting and drama skills to give them more confidence! She’s done a world of good for both of them. I love the idea of acting workshops for kids. Heck, I’ve always thought of taking an improv class or something myself! I’ll be keeping an eye out for Will at the Oscars for sure!
You’re a good mum – he’s in good hands, Sara. xox