The holidays bring a sense of celebration and excitement. If your child has a music recital or dance performance coming up, it’s an especially joyful (and sometimes nerve-wracking) season. 

These moments on stage are more than just cute photos. They’re opportunities for children to grow in confidence, teamwork, and joy.

Whether it’s your child’s first show or they have years of experience, this pre-show checklist will help your family stay calm, organized, and ready to shine on stage.

The Week Before the Performance: Build Confidence Early

The week leading up to a show sets the tone for how your child will feel on stage. Keep the focus on encouragement and fun rather than perfection. Short, playful practice sessions help kids remember that performing is about expression and joy.

Experts at Psychology Today note that kids perform best when they feel supported, not pressured. Creating a calm, predictable environment at home helps them feel secure and ready.

Try these confidence-building steps:

Before jumping into practice, use this short checklist to make daily prep feel upbeat and fun:

• Practice in short bursts, a few minutes each day is plenty.
• Discuss what to expect at the performance, including the lights, music, and the audience.
• Encourage them to picture themselves smiling and bowing proudly.
• Celebrate effort over accuracy. Every small improvement counts.

The more comfortable your child feels with their routine, the more naturally their confidence will shine through.

The Night Before: Set Your Child Up for Success

Organization is a parent’s secret weapon for stress-free performance days. Having everything ready the night before helps your child wake up relaxed and excited, rather than feeling rushed and stressed.

Pack the Essentials

To make sure nothing gets left behind, start with these basics and check them off together:

• Costume, outfit, or instrument, all clearly labeled.
• Hair accessories, shoes, or any performance props.
• Healthy snack and water bottle.
• Wipes, tissues, or sanitizer.
• A small comfort item (a lucky charm or soft cloth can work wonders).

Involving your child in the packing process will help them feel responsible and part of the preparation. It’s also a great time to remind them how much fun tomorrow will be.

Talk Through the Morning Routine

The night before, go over the plan for the next day. Knowing what to expect — from wake-up time to arrival — gives kids a sense of control that helps them stay calm on the big day. 

If your child tends to get anxious before big events, try using simple breathing techniques or calm affirmations. 

These small habits can make a big difference in helping your child manage pre-show nerves.

The Morning of the Show: Keep Energy Calm and Positive

The big day is here! And the best thing you can do as a parent is set the tone. Children mirror our energy, so a calm and cheerful morning goes a long way.

Encourage a good breakfast and some light stretching. Then keep the atmosphere upbeat and low-pressure.

How to Stay Calm on Performance Day:

The morning of the show can be an exciting yet anxious time for both kids and parents. These quick tips can help you create calm energy, keep routines simple, and curb anxiety before heading to the venue: 

• Play happy music while getting ready.
• Use encouraging language, like “You’ve worked hard” and “Enjoy your time on stage.”
• Leave early to avoid the rush.
• Help them warm up gently with a few stretches or humming exercises.

A positive, patient approach helps kids feel safe and supported. When they walk onto the stage knowing you believe in them, it shows.

During and After the Performance: Celebrate Effort, Not Perfection

When the curtain rises, your child’s job is to have fun, and yours is to cheer them on. The most essential part of any performance isn’t perfect choreography or hitting every note; it’s the joy of participation and growth.

Children who receive praise for their effort and persistence tend to develop stronger self-confidence. So when the performance ends, focus on celebration rather than critique.

After the show:

Wrap up the day with connection and encouragement using these simple ideas:

• Applaud proudly and make eye contact when possible.
• Avoid pointing out mistakes; instead, ask, “What was your favorite part?”
• Take photos and relive the fun moments together.
• End the day with a small treat or words of affirmation.

Moments like these strengthen not just skills, but memories your child will carry for years.

Celebrate the Holidays With America’s Kids In Motion!

Every performance, big or small, builds a child’s belief in themselves. At America’s Kids In Motion, we believe those lessons — teamwork, confidence, and joy — matter far beyond the stage.

Through safe, structured programs that blend music, movement, and fun, we help children grow into more confident, capable versions of themselves.

Join our community today and help your child shine with confidence both on and off the stage.