How to Help Your Child Build Resilience in Dance
Dear Dance Parents,
How do we help our children through tough seasons when getting into the studio feels boring or exhausting?
As a professional dancer, teacher, and mother of three dancers, I understand the delicate balance parents face in supporting their children's interests while guiding them through challenges. When our young children express a desire to quit dancing, we can help them to persevere, knowing the numerous benefits it brings to their development.
The first year of learning a new skill or sport is always the hardest! It takes a full year to start seeing the rewards, and children may need encouragement to make it to a level where they have developed enough skill for dancing to feel easier and more fun! Often tough times of transition are the beginning of their dancing, their first years in the Pre-Professional Division and their first years in the Conservatory. Here are some tips to help navigate those moments with your young dancers. Throughout this series we’ll explore each age group and different strategies that will help them blossom instead of burnout!
Encouraging Your Young Child to Keep Dancing
Spend Time Making Friends: Our young ones may not grasp the long-term advantages of dancing fully, which makes sense for their young age! Coming a few minutes early to class to meet up with classmates, or staying a few minutes late can help them form friendships that will make the social side of dance class more fulfilling for young students.
Set Realistic Goals: Young students are mainly in dance for three reasons. First to build a new skill set, second to develop confidence, and third to have develop a love of movement! Young dancers may take more or less time to develop their skill set, based on how fast their motor skills are developing. This is normal and celebrating your child’s achievements at their own pace will foster a positive experience in the early years of dance. If my child does not move up a level one year, I remind them how fun it will be to be a leader in the class. As parents we set the tone for our children’s expectations of themselves.
Provide Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in encouraging our children to persist in their activities. Studies in Developmental Psychology show that praise and encouragement significantly influence children's motivation and self-esteem. Offer specific praise for their efforts and improvements in dancing, boosting their confidence and determination to continue.
Encourage a Growth Mindset: Teaching our children the value of a growth mindset is paramount. Research by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck demonstrates that children with a growth mindset are more resilient in the face of challenges. Encourage your child to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and emphasize the importance of perseverance in achieving their dance goals.
Lead by Example: Our children learn best by observing our behavior. Research in the Journal of Family Psychology indicates that parental involvement positively influences children's motivation and persistence. Show your support for your child's dancing by attending performances, practicing with them at home, and demonstrating resilience in your pursuits. Your involvement will inspire them to keep dancing, even when faced with obstacles.
By implementing these strategies and nurturing your young child's passion for dancing, you can help them develop the perseverance and resilience needed to overcome challenges and continue pursuing their dreams.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we'll explore tips for encouraging pre-teens to keep dancing!
With joy,
Mrs. Julianna