I guess most of us desire to be recognized for doing a great job at something we are passionate about. But then tonight, as my 8 yr old daughter rehearses her song and dance for her school “Talent Quest”, I saw this casting application for the Voice for Kids. My 8 yr old tells me she saw the advert for it on the tv and all the kids at school today were talking about it. And I totally get it. I hear the excitement in her voice as she talks about performing on a big stage. I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t feel it too. As she talks, I can visualize her Katy Perry teenage dream and between you and me, I cringe on the inside. I don’t want her to be Katy or Pink or whoever the next bright young thing is! I just want her to be an 8 year old who rides her rollerblades and swings upside down on the monkey bars. My mind is racing. And although I don’t want to say No to her, I’m prepared to say No WHEN she asks, IF she asks. I think that reality shows of this kind can be so damaging for young children. These precious years are all about finding where they fit in socially and building their self esteem. At 8 yrs old, I don’t want her dabbling in a social media addicted society where being famous is twisted and intertwined with the concept of being successful at ones art form, where a child’s confidence can be built or crushed by the turn of a chair, a 40 character tweet or a Facebook status. There is so much competition at every turn of their young lives and with it comes the opportunity to succeed or fail. And we don’t poo poo failures here. Her Dad and I say Keeping trying the idea over and over till it fits a little better. I say Dream BIG. Take chances. But there is plenty of time and opportunity to do this. So be an 8 year and enjoy the swing. Take your time to play. The world will still be there when you are ready to shine. But I didn’t have to say any of this to her. She never asked to audition. At the end of her declaration of love for Pink and her ability to bungy rope whilst singing, she changes the subject and asks to have a hot chocolate before bed.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 16:09:00 +0000
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