How Dance Can Teach Your Child To Thrive

When parents first bring their children to a dance studio they are often in an uncertain stage in their child's development. We often start by asking them what is actually working well at the moment. We aim to focus on each child's strengths so we can then use these positive qualities to help them find what they want to develop most.

We ultimately know that our dance education program, not only helps your kids learn dance but to use dance as a medium to learn how to thrive!

So how can dance teach your child how to thrive?

Here are ten ways:

1. Our teacher's model the behaviour you want

In order to teach your child to thrive we first focus on showing the desired behaviour. Which means that we maintain a level of stability in your child's life. This doesn't mean having 'perfect' relationships or always being happy, but it does mean that we make an effort to be a good role model for your child. Kids are like little sponges; they absorb everything from the adults in their environment “ both good and bad.

2. Hone Thinking Skills

Dance teaches your child how to think (but not what to think) in positive and constructive ways. Our teachers help our students try to reframe negative thought patterns into more productive or 'better' thoughts.

3. Maintain Balance

Don't over-schedule activities. I once came across a suggestion that parents could be over-scheduling their children's lives in order to fill a void in their own lives. While I am not 100% convinced of this, I do believe that too many activities can make kids stressed.

4. Have Relaxation Time

Take time out to just relax and rejuvenate. In such a busy world it's always tempting to stay connected and always "on." We need to hit the pause button every now and then.

5. Enjoy the Little Things

By living in the moment, we can enjoy the simple things in life “ like gazing at the moon or looking up at the stars. (My son loves to point up into the sky in the early evening when the moon and stars are just becoming visible and say "moooooon!" and "star!" over and over.)

6. Stay Active

Kids need to be physically active. Getting them out on their skateboard, scooter or bike is essential. it is also fun! Activities don't need to be structured, but they do need to be active and enjoyable.

7. Practice Problem Solving and Making Changes

There will always be challenges to overcome. This is what makes life so colourful. The important part is how we go about solving problems and changing our thought patterns. Sometimes we need to change so we can grow. Other times, we simply need to approach a challenge from a different perspective. You can help your child become develop their problem solving skills by brainstorming possible solutions and discussing the options.

8. Foster Good Relationships

Teach your child to value and respect their friendships and family relationships. This establishes a good framework for later in life. Taking care of an (age-appropriate) pet teaches kids how to be nurturing and compassionate and how to cope with responsibility.

9. Have a Vision

Viktor Frankl wrote that, "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose." Everyone needs to have meaning and purpose so that they can look toward the future with optimism. So help your child to set goals and talk about a shared vision for the future. For example, I like to to say to my son, "When you grow up you are going to have a wonderful life and achieve great things", before he goes to bed. (He is a little too young to understand right now¦ but the positive seeds are being planted for the future!)

10. Show Gratitude

Arguably one of the most important ways you can help your child learn how to thrive is to model gratitude. Life is so precious and wonderful and there is so much to be thankful for. Take every opportunity to speak kindly and show gratitude to others.

So now you know you have ten different ways you can start helping your child learn how to thrive today. Why not take on the challenge today? Surviving should not even be an option!

Go on, what are you waiting for? 🙂

Our South Coast Conservatory motto is to create dancers that are strong, smart, and kind. And we want all of our dancers to have the strength to do great things. The health benefits they gain through their years at South Coast Conservatory will last a lifetime. Enroll in one of our programs and experience the athleticism your child needs.

At South Coast Conservatory we CHANGE LIVES THROUGH DANCE!

Laguna Niguel, CA