8 Reasons Why You Should Let Your Child Take Center Stage

My thespian Jade in her summer theater class recital. 🙂

It’s never too early to start thinking about extracurriculars, especially if you want your child to attend a top-notch college. But why should you choose theater camp over sports teams or cub scouts? What benefits can you expect from adolescent exposure to the arts? Here are eight reasons to encourage your child to be on stage.

1. New Skills.  Being involved in the theater means acting, writing, directing, creating and building. Your child may be asked to do anything from peer-reviewing a play to rolling up their sleeves and helping paint a set, so they’ll develop a wide variety of talents.
2. New Friendships. According to child development experts, building good social skills is one of the key factors in determining later success. Theater is a collaborative process, meaning your child will learn the value of cooperation while also making lifelong and like-minded friends.
3. Public Speaking. How are you at public speaking? Do you want your child to be the same way? Allow them to overcome this fear early, and they’ll be that much more prepared for their valedictorian speech one day.
4. Confidence. The arts build self-esteem in a way that math scores simply can’t. Multiplication tables have nothing on the pride your child will feel when the final curtain falls and applause swells for their performance.
5. Unplugged Fun.  In this increasingly technological world, it’s important for kids to remember that not everything revolves around smartphones, laptops and MP3 players. Some adventures can only be had by turning off the tech.
6. Year-Round Activities. Even though the bulk of their activities take place during summertime, many camps and clubs will continue operations throughout the school year. For example, this children’s theater in Walnut Creek offers both 3-week intensive camps and year-long programs, keeping you child occupied from summer afternoons to winter nights.
7. Leadership Building. Confident, driven children become confident, driven adults. By allowing your child to explore their boundaries and establish their independence with a personal hobby, you’re help them build the courage to grow into a real leader.
8. Individuality.  The arts are a great way to find yourself, and theater camp might just be the first step of many as your child grows up and learns to spread their wings. The greatest gift you can give as a parent is opportunity, so don’t be afraid to let your little one take center stage in the story of their life.