Five (5) Questions Parents Should Ask Before Putting Their Child in the SpotlightMy experience underscores how crucial it is for a parent to consider the risks and costs-as well as the benefits-of allowing their child to pursue a performing arts career. Is Your Child's Talent Truly Amazing?Be honest with yourself about their potential. Seek out true expertise to help you make an assessment.Does Your Child Seek Out and Enjoy Performing?Your child's comfort is crucial. He or she must want to be there. Does Your Child Have the Discipline?Even if your child has the talent, do they have the discipline to work really hard? Are you able to support the time investment it will take for them to attain mastery? Over time, others do catch up to prodigies, but the time investment may not be reasonable for your child.How Do I Help My Child Get Started? Start locally. Pursue artistic endeavors that will offer your child growth, for example, stage and drama camp, after-school programs that foster the arts, and music education and associated performances beyond their school. Explore opportunities close to home, first, to see what they accomplish and if they enjoy it. Will Your Child Be Able To Handle Rejection?If your child really wants a particular role and doesn't get it, will he or she be ok? What happens if this occurs over and over again? How much "time in" will be enough for you to finally say, "let's go home". Will you be willing to change course?Written by: Sally R. Gaglini
