How to Avoid Being Labeled a Stage Parent

Like the trendier ̶0;helicopter parent,̶1; the pejorative ̶0;stage parent̶1; serves as a harsh wake-up call for moms and dads who hover a little too close to the artistic aspirations of their kids. On the flip side, being involved in performing arts bolsters everything from motor and language skills to visual learning and academic development, so encouraging a theatrical career doesn't hurt. The key to healthy parenting in this arena lies in striking a balance between encouragement and all-out overbearing behavior.

Instructions

    • 1

      Separate your personal aspirations from the aspirations of your child. A 2013 study from the academic journal "PLOS One" finds that parents often view their children as an extension of themselves, placing their own unfulfilled ambitions on their kids in an effort to redeem their former dreams. The first step to curbing these habits in yourself is recognizing their validity; before you make performance-related decisions for your child, ask yourself if you're acting in her best interests or your own.

    • 2

      Communicate, listen and learn to identify the difference between encouragement and pressure. Encouragement helps children grow into creative artists and athletes, but the application of too much pressure leads you into stage parent territory. Regularly ask your child about her feelings on her activities, and look for signs of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, resistance to participating in the activity or disinterest in the activity. These signs often indicate too much parental pressure; change your tact from pressuring your child to perform well to encouraging your child to have fun and do her best.

    • 3

      Let your child know that even if her decisions to pursue the arts don't reflect your own desires, you won't be disappointed in her. Don't berate your child for a poor performance on the stage or court. Instead of focusing on the element of competition or subjective success, focus on the importance of learning a skill and sticking with it -- not to mention having fun.

    • 4

      Let go. If your child is enrolled in a performing arts program or similar activity, trust the instructors, directors or coaches. While reading your child her lines or watching her latest choreography is certainly helpful, stand back and leave the instruction and guidance to the professionals, especially during your scheduled practice or rehearsal sessions.

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