Mommy Moment – Overcoming Fears!

I am hoping you will forgive my Mommy Moment today.  One of those Mommy Moments when you just have to brag about one of your kids a bit and say how proud you are of them!

We have just finished “Show Week” at our house.  We have been enjoying this week – really two weeks - for ten years now.  Show week is the two weeks of the year that the Spring musical is being performed at our high school.

Every year for the last ten years, except for one, I have had a child involved in the musical.  Show Week means lots of fun times spent at the high school helping with costumes,  helping out at work parties, taking pictures at dress rehearsal, ushering, working in the box office, attending every performance, helping put together gifts for the director, etc. and helping with the cast party – I love it!

Two of my children, Logan and Cali, were both very involved with the high school theater department and Clark was very involved with the athletic department.  When my youngest, Tessa, entered high school, to my disappointment, she announced that she was not interested in being involved in theater.

She had literally grown up in the shadows of the high school theater department but Tessa is my timid one, more reserved, doesn’t like the spotlight on her.  I had somewhat sadly accepted the fact.  I really enjoyed being involved with the kids and the productions, sewing costumes etc. and I must admit I love watching my children perform – whether it is on the stage or the sports field.

Last Spring I had a conversation with Tessa.

I wasn’t convinced that she really didn’t want to be a part of drama/theater in high school, there were inklings once in a while of interest.  There were times when I could tell she was entertaining thoughts about it.

I explained to her that it was fine not to do something if she really didn’t enjoy it or have any interest but if she wasn’t trying out because she was scared that was not o.k.  I shared with her that we all have fears and that we should not allow our fears to prevent us from trying something we really wanted to do.  We shouldn’t let our fears win!  We would live to regret it.

I had learned this from personal experience.  There have been too many times in my life that I have allowed my fears to  prevent me from trying something new, from taking a risk.

I have also learned that when fear is preventing one of my children from trying, the best thing to do is:

1.  Look for an opportunity that would allow them to overcome their fear with very little risk at first. Last Spring Cali, Tessa’s sister, was directing a One Act play at school.  Tessa was sure to get a part and of course she did. 

2.  Enlist the help of others.  I knew if Tessa’s sister and a few of her friends were encouraging Tessa to try out for the One Acts she was much more likely to try than if it was just her mother!  I asked them to help out by encouraging her.

Tessa had an amazing time and thanks to that one positive experience she overcame her fear. 

This Spring our high school did Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.  Tessa was part of the company and the featured dancer.  It was so fun to watch her through the process as she did not allow her fear to prevent her from trying.  She worked hard for her audition, pushed herself beyond her comfort zone, she embraced and loved the part she was given and worked hard to do her best.

She shone on stage and you could see in her face how much fun she was having

She also learned that she loves applause – especially when they are just for you.  She had the part of the “featured dancer” in the show and quickly learned that she loved having people clap for her!!

We are proud of you Tessa and grateful that you chose not to let your fears prevent you from growing, from moving forward and from discovering the many opportunities that are available to you!

Do you have any tips or suggestions for helping overcome your fears or helping your children overcome their fears?

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