Your toddler the performer
When you have a child as cute as Baby, it’s inevitable that someone is going to one day want them to perform. It might be on a stage, at a wedding, or in any kind of spotlight, and it’s going to be a glorious debut. It probably won’t, however, be the easiest thing in the world. Not just because you’ll be overwhelmed with the sheer talent your little one displays, though that’s certainly possible. No, this will be difficult for a few reasons, but awesome for even more, other reasons!
The event might have a lot of moving parts
Hopefully figuratively, but who knows, kids’ plays are getting more advanced every day! What this means is that this performance might not just be Baby in your backyard doing their one-child show. If it’s a wedding, a play, or anything involving other people, the stakes are higher, and the role Baby plays becomes a little more complicated. You’ll want to make sure that they understand their part in this shindig, even if it’s just being towed in a wagon looking cute.
Baby will probably be nervous
And that’s normal! Stage fright is common for people of all ages, and Baby is pretty new to this whole performance thing. You can help them feel more at ease by explaining that everyone is excited to see them, but that they can go at their own pace. If it helps, they can focus on a goal, like getting to the end of the aisle or making sure a person in the last row can hear them. If they get nervous, they can always look at you!
There could be things to remember
Unless Baby is doing their first improv show (which, wow, that’s impressive!), there will probably be some element of memorization in their first performance. Baby could be reciting a poem, repeating some sweet dance moves, or just remembering to toss all of the flowers out of a basket. It’s not the end of the world if they forget a thing or two, but you might want to have cues ready to help them if they seem to be forgetting their part. If it’s a relatively simple performance, you could work on one short phrase to remember as it goes on, like “Keep waving!” or “Follow your teacher!” or “Toss the petals!”
Practice makes perfect
Practice is the key to any successful performance, even when you’re as little as Baby. Stage fright? Practice in front of a smaller group first! Big production? Do a dress rehearsal! Memorization? Keep trying until you have it almost perfect! Practicing a few times before the big day will make Baby feel more comfortable and increase the likelihood that things go according to plan. And even if they do lose their way a little, it’ll still be an adorable show.
