As a performer how do you deal with a shy child at a birthday party??
So I attend a lot of parties and meet stacks of different children and I often find out the birthday child is a little shy.
Is this a problem? No problem at all, as I simply take the following steps which I hope will ease any worries.
- Before the magic show, not only do I meet the children to break down some barriers I very consciously weigh up the children who I think will help out during the show.
- Whilst the show is happening I keep a close eye on the birthday child to see how they are getting on.
It is very common practice that it may take 10 – 20min mins for them to feel comfortable to help out, but that’s ok
- Even when the I think the time is right if it’s not then of course I encourage the mother, father, friend to help them out.
- I give the birthday child lots of chances to help out but very casually put no pressure on them.
If the child doesn’t want to help, so be it but I will make sure they have a GREAT party.
Coming back to parties, as a child I would help out but my main thing at a party was to get the activity out of the way so I could eat!
Therefore I can very much appreciate that we are all very different!
