Wellbeing
Supporting Children with Nerves Before Big Events
As the Galilee at the Disco performance approaches, excitement is running high and for many children nerves naturally appear. Feeling anxious before performing is completely normal, even for professional actors, athletes and musicians. A little nervous energy can actually help children focus and perform at their best.
Courage and anxiety are two sides of the same coin. Stepping out of a comfort zone can feel nerve-wracking but it also gives children the chance to grow, gain confidence and build resilience. Here are some ways that you can support your child(ren) during this exciting time!
Reassure and Listen
Simply acknowledging your child’s nerves helps them feel understood. Letting them share how they feel can reduce stress and show that anxiety is a normal part of trying something new.
Offer Calm Support
Gentle reminders to breathe, stretch or take a short pause can help children manage physical signs of nerves. Your calm presence can help them feel more grounded and in control.
Encourage Positive Self-Reflection
Prompting children to notice their preparation, effort and small achievements helps them focus on growth rather than perfection. Asking questions like, “What are you proud of from today’s rehearsal?” reinforces confidence.
Celebrate Courage
Recognising that stepping onto the stage is brave, regardless of the outcome, helps children see nerves as a natural companion to courage. Praise effort and willingness to try, not just performance.
Share Your Own Experiences
Talking about times you have felt nervous or stepped out of your own comfort zone can help children see that nerves are normal and manageable. This makes courage feel relatable and achievable.
Maintain Routines
Supporting consistent routines at home, such as adequate rest, balanced meals and some downtime, helps children feel stable and ready to perform.
Share in the Fun
Encouraging children to enjoy the creative and social aspects of the performance helps them focus on the joy of performing, rather than only on the audience or results.
Building Confidence Outside the Performance
Activities outside of rehearsals can help children become more comfortable trying new things and caring less about what others think:
- Outdoor Adventure Challenges – Climbing trees, building obstacle courses or trying a new sport helps children take safe risks and build confidence.
- Creative Expression – Drawing, dancing or making up a story in front of family or friends encourages self-expression without pressure.
- Role-Playing Games – Acting out different characters at home or in small groups allows children to practice bravery in a playful way.
- Public Sharing in Low-Stakes Settings – Reading aloud to family, performing a short skit or sharing a joke helps children practice putting themselves “out there” in a safe environment.
- Reflecting on Effort – After these activities, discussing what they tried and what they learned reinforces that trying is more important than perfection.
These experiences help children see that stepping out of their comfort zone can be fun, safe and rewarding, supporting both confidence and resilience for their performance.
Nerves are a natural sign that children are challenging themselves. With reassurance, encouragement and calm support, parents can help children channel their nervous energy into confidence and excitement, stepping onto the stage for Galilee at the Disco with pride and joy.