Stage fear, also known as performance anxiety or stage fright, is a common experience for many people, including kids. It is the feeling of nervousness or anxiety that arises when speaking, performing or presenting in front of an audience or in public.

Here are some tips to help kids overcome stage fear:

Practice: Encourage kids to practice their performance or presentation as much as possible. This can help them feel more confident and comfortable when they are on stage.

Deep breathing: Teach kids deep breathing exercises, which can help calm their nerves and reduce anxiety. Breathing in deeply through the nose and out through the mouth can be a good way to slow down heart rate and relax the body.

Positive self-talk: Encourage kids to think positively about themselves and their performance. They can say things like "I can do this" or "I am prepared and confident."

Visualize success: Encourage kids to visualize themselves performing or presenting successfully. This can help them feel more confident and reduce anxiety.

"Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you."

- Bethany Hamilton

Get support: Make sure kids have support from family members, friends or teachers. Knowing that someone is there to support them can help them feel more comfortable and less nervous.

Focus on the message: Encourage kids to focus on the message they want to communicate rather than their fear. This can help them feel more motivated and less anxious.

Start small: Encourage kids to start with small performances or presentations and work their way up to bigger ones. This can help build their confidence and reduce anxiety over time.

School activities can be an effective tool in helping children overcome stage fear or performance anxiety. Engaging in activities such as drama, music, sports, debate, and public speaking can provide children with a safe and supportive environment to practice and improve their skills.

Through participation in these activities, children can learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, which can help build their confidence and reduce their fear of performing in front of an audience.

Additionally, positive feedback from teachers and peers can help boost children's confidence and encourage them to continue improving. Overall, school activities can be a great way to help children overcome stage fear or performance anxiety and develop valuable life skills.

Remember, it is normal for kids to feel nervous or anxious about performing or presenting on stage. Encourage them to practice, stay positive, and seek support when needed.

School activities can play a crucial role in helping children overcome stage fear by providing opportunities for participation, teaching important skills, fostering teamwork, and providing positive feedback and support. With time and effort, they can overcome their stage fear and feel more confident and comfortable on stage.

Follow the Author on MedBound: Neetu Jabalia (@Neetu)