Perceived pressure to please parents can add to the stress (both positive and negative) of daily living and growing.
The code of behaviour for parents is intended to support you to reassure your child that dance is for enjoyment and that they are loved for themselves rather than for their achievements.
- If children are interested, encourage them to dance. Do not force them.
- Remember, children are dancing for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Encourage dance students to see live professional performances as often as possible.
- Don't focus on winning. Focus instead on efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the examination, performance or audition.
- Help children to set realistic goals based on their individual ability and experience.
- Teach children that an honest effort is as important as a victory, so that the results of each examination or performance are accepted without too much disappointment.
- Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or not passing an examination.
- Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good performances by all of the performers.
- If you disagree with an examiner, adjudicator or critic, raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than question the official's judgment in public.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from dance activities.