Stage Fright
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My Daughter is 6 years old and has been skating for 2 years. She loves to ice skate and loves everything about skating from practicing to watching ice skating on TV. to watching local competitions. We just recently went to an ISI event where she had prepared to compete at the Delta Level with other 6 and 7 year olds. But, she came up with a terrible bout of "STAGE FRIGHT". So, she didn't perform. She was terrified. Later, she expresses she wants to but she is scared. What can I do to help her overcome this fear? And will she get over this fear? I have even thought about doing a "Family Spot Light" with her in the next ISI meet. Help me, please... If you can. I was so devastated to see her this way. My sadness is because I know inside of her she really wants to perform. And she is fine at our home Ice Rink, but unfortunately we don't have any ISI meets there. Thanks from a mother that wants to see her daughter happy and enjoying ice skating! Rochelle |
Linda says:
You can discuss this with your daughter and set a goal for the next competition. Make sure the goal is something that you believe she will be able to do. It would be great if you can find another skater who went through something similar. Both you and your daughter can discuss how they handled the situation and perhaps get some ideas. You may also be able to ask what made your daughter so afraid. She may need more self-confidence going into the competition. Perhaps she can get extra practice time. She may also need to hear from you and her coach that she is indeed very capable of competiting. You do not want to give false hopes, such as you'll get first, but re-assuring her that this is something she can accomplish.