Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

I think TJ does and I am not sure what to do with his upcoming Christmas show at nursery school.

Last year in the 2 yr. old program the kids sat in the front of the class and sang jingle bells for all the parents at Christmas time. As soon as TJ saw all the parents walk in his face turned white and he look terrified. During the song he barely looked up. I thought nothing of it...just that he was still young.

A few weeks ago they did something similar for Thanksgiving and TJ did the same thing. As soon as he saw everyone walk in, staring at him and other kids he actually hid behind the teacher and was peeking out looking at everyone. As soon as the song was over and everyone was talking and playing he was fine.

We just got a notice about the upcoming Christmas show. They are combining the 2 classes so their will be about 35 kids performing and ALL their parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. I dont want him to get upset or feel afraid. I never had a problem with public speaking or being infront of crowds (obvious if you know me ) but DH said he was like that. Very shy. And still to this day doesnt like being center of attention.

Should I still bring him and make him participate? Or should I just keep him home? Bring him and if I see him getting upset pull him to the side? I was thinking of speaking with his teacher and see what she recommends.

Message edited 12/9/2010 2:34:56 PM.

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage frieght?

I would bring him and have him participate only if he wants to. Otherwise, he can watch his classmates. I wouldn't keep him home though.

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

For Ayla's halloween parade all the kids marched down the hall and then ended up in their classroom to give a little performance. Ayla hid under her teachers arm for the march and for the performance she covered her face the entire time. She was nervous, scared and shy at the same time. Meanwhile at home she thinks she is Selena Gomez!

I am curious to see what she is going to do for her holiday show. I've mentioned to her that I hope I can see her face this time. I don;t want to say it too much to her but I throw it out there every once in a while.

to answer your question- I'd bring him and let him participate and see what happens..

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

BUMP

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

I think as long as he doesn't voice to you that he doesn't want to participate, then he should. Even if he keeps his head down, atleast he's brave enough to get up there. Stress that fact to him and I bet he gets better/more comfortable with it.

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

DS has stage fright big time. Tuesday was the holiday concert at preschool and lets say he walked on stage and left in the middle of the first song. It was not pretty. He was extremely upset. I had reviewed all of the songs at home with him and he knew every line. I told him that on the day of if he did not want to sing he could just stand there and smile. He walked on with the biggest sour face he could muster and when he saw me we had water works galore. His teacher said he did not want to do it in the practice either. I did not know that until after the event. Had I known this, I don't think I would have made him stand up there. It was torture for him and so sad to watch. I felt so badly. I don't know what to do or how to help him. If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears.

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

My 9 year was like that for a long time. I used to encourage her to give it a try but supported her when she couldn't. It was very hard on her and I never wanted her to think that I was disappointed. It is just who she is.

Re: Does anyone else's toddler have stage fright?

Message edited 9/1/2011 10:52:28 AM.