Allowing your child to enjoy a career in show business is one thing, but ensuring his well-being and development is another. In many cases, parents end up allowing their personal ambitions to get in the way of their child’s happiness. In this article, we’re going to give you a few pieces of advice to make sure that you raise a happy and fulfilled child actor.
Be an Actual Parent
In many cases, parents treat their child like the stars they actually think they are. But, you still have to maintain a parental role and set rules and boundaries. That will allow your child to stay grounded and keep respect for you as a parent. This also means that as a parent, you have to pay attention to their needs and be there if they show any sign of distress. Keep an open door policy and never make them feel like they would disappoint you if they’re having a change of heart.
Teach them to Accept Rejection
It can be very easy for children to take things very personally when they don’t get a particular part. This can be especially hard if you’re too harsh as a parent. Make sure that you teach them that rejection is inevitable in this business and that they need to learn to be happy for others when they get a role. If they want to make it in the long run, they have to learn this early so that they don’t become demoralized every time they don’t get a part.
Acting should not Define Them
Make sure that your child’s life is not defined solely by acting. Your child should have other activities and hobbies besides acting to relieve some of the tension and keep a grip on who they truly are. You should give them lots of free time to do what they love so that they don’t become consumed with their work. They should also be able to form true relationships outside showbiz and allow them to enjoy free time with their friends as well.
Enroll them in a Good Program
Enrolling your child in a good performing arts program early on is a great way to not only hone their skills but have the opportunity to meet great instructors that will follow them for the rest of their lives. They can form bonds with like-minded individuals who in many cases will become lifetime friends as well. Programs like Premiere Program are aimed at children aged 5 to 18 and are perfect for young child actors who are still learning their craft.
Use Examples of other Child Actors as a Cautionary Tale
While the demise of a star can be tragic, tabloids can be used as a cautionary tale for child actors. Use tabloids to show them examples of what not to do in this business and what to do to last.
As you can see, raising a fulfilled and well-balanced child in show business is feasible. Just make sure to follow some of the tips in this article and you should have no problem raising a level headed child actor.
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