Children’s self-confidence is a gift

Granddaughter Emma is going to be in her first school play.

It is just a small part, only two lines, but it will be her first time on stage. I wish we could go down to see her but we will have to make do with her and her mom, Beth, relating the highlights after Emma has had her debut.

I remember when she was in preschool and a cousin or two had come to visit. We were staying with them at the time. The kids put on several “plays” that were mercifully short and bore no resemblance to an actual performance. Most of these makeshift plays took place on the trampoline and involved a lot of revision, telling each other what to do and jumping, lots and lots of jumping.

A few years ago when bonus granddaughter, Paige, was there for a couple of weeks in the summer Beth signed up both girls for a Drama Camp. I thought that drama was the normal state of being for the girls at that time.

I’m not sure what they took away from the camp other than having a good time. I have often thought of our niece, Sara, who is in the movie business. “Lake Effects” was her first movie to be sold to the Hallmark channel.

I think Emma would love to spend a day or two with Sara to see what making a real movie is all about. Sara and Emma live several states apart and I doubt if they will ever get together. But, there’s always hope.

I am so proud of Emma for wanting to be in the play. Never in my wildest dreams would I want to be on stage. I tend to get my words tangled up. I trip over my own shoes. The thought of the entire audience looking at me gives me the willies. I would much rather watch a play than be in one.

Not so with Emma. The child knows no fear. I probably shouldn’t call her a child as she is taller than me. In truth, none of the kids who are in and out of Beth’s home have any fear. It doesn’t matter if the children are related or not, they will willingly climb things that shouldn’t be climbed. They will not hesitate to pick up any unfortunate creature they can find, then pass the snake, turtle, frog or whatever around so other people can hold it whether they want to or not. They will audition for plays and be excited that they won a part even if it wasn’t the exact part they were hoping for.

I think it is wonderful that Beth is raising fearless children. I know it is stressful at times to deal with youngsters who aren’t afraid of anything. I am glad that she gives them the ability to play by themselves without having to be entertained every moment.

Beth and her family have created an atmosphere in which her children willingly join activities and give it their best. In their house, being afraid is not an option.

How different from the way I was raised; I was afraid of most things. In many ways, I still am. I was taught that we couldn’t afford anything. I was taught not to join in. Being noticed for any reason was bad.

Not Emma or the other young ones. They aren’t afraid of anything. I am eternally grateful that the timidity of my childhood has not been passed along.

I am impressed my granddaughter is going to be in her first play. I am more impressed she had the self-confidence to try.