From the Assistant Principal

Big-Event Jitters: Helping Children Feel Brave

With our whole-school production happening next week, it’s an exciting time for our students! While many children are looking forward to performing, it’s also perfectly normal for some to feel nervous, worried or a little overwhelmed. Big events can bring a mix of emotions, and that’s okay.

Rather than trying to get rid of the nerves, we can help children recognise their feelings and develop simple strategies to manage them.

Name the feeling

Encourage your child to talk about how they are feeling. Are they nervous, excited, worried or a little bit of both? Acknowledging these feelings can help children make sense of them. You might reassure them by saying, “Those butterflies in your tummy are just your body getting ready for something exciting!”

Have a little plan

Knowing what to expect can help children feel more confident. Talk through what the night might look like, including getting ready, arriving at the venue and what will happen after the performance. Familiar routines and knowing what comes next can help ease uncertainty.

Try some simple calming strategies

If your child is feeling nervous, encourage them to try:

• Square breathing: Breathe in for four counts, hold for four, breathe out for four and hold again for four. Repeat a few times.
• Squeeze and release: Clench both fists for five seconds, then relax. Repeat three times.
• Positive self-talk: Practise simple phrases such as “I can do this”, “One step at a time” or “It's okay to feel nervous”.

Keep things calm and predictable

To help students feel more comfortable and familiar with the venue, the whole school will attend a rehearsal at George Wood Theatre during the day. This will give students the opportunity to experience being on stage and become familiar with their surroundings before the evening performance.

On the night, try to keep things as relaxed as possible. Allow plenty of time to get ready and avoid a last-minute rush where possible. A quick chat about what to expect can also provide reassurance.

Of course, we know that not everything always goes to plan, and that's okay too!

Celebrate the effort, not just the performance

After the event, focus on your child's effort, courage and willingness to give something a go. A simple comment such as, “You kept going even when you felt nervous. That's something to be proud of!” can make a lasting difference.

Remember, children don't need to feel completely confident to do something brave. Sometimes being brave simply means giving it a go, even when those butterflies are fluttering!

If your child is experiencing significant anxiety or ongoing worries, please reach out to us. We are always happy to work with families to support our students.