Drawing on 25 years of hands-on experience, I'm excited to share some of the favourite tips and techniques we use at Perform to help every child shine.

Whether you're looking to boost your child's self-assurance, enhance their focus, or nurture their ability to connect with others, these tips bring the spirit of our drama classes right into your home, turning everyday moments into opportunities for growth and discovery.

1. Attend drama classes: Drama builds focus, confidence and communication skills.

2. Practise positive body language: Stand tall, smile and even try power posing for an instant confidence boost.

3. Use effective eye contact: Encourage your child to look people in the eye when speaking - it's polite and shows confidence.

4. Teach your child to introduce themselves: We aim to teach children to introduce themselves warmly and how to shake hands confidently.

5. Speak to adults: Encourage your child to chat whenever you have the opportunity. Every situation helps build confidence.

6. Diction matters: Play tongue twisters to make clear speaking fun and engaging.

7. Recite from memory: Memorising poems, jokes or stories builds vocal projection and confidence.

8. Sing, sing, sing: Singing boosts mood, vocal strength and self-assurance.

9. Play listening skills games: Games like "Simon Says" are perfect for focus and active listening.

10. Mindful breathing: Simple breathing exercises help children stay calm and manage stress.

11. Practise debating skills: Foster critical thinking by encouraging children to discuss and defend their opinions. Try the "Three Reasons Why" game: ask your child their opinion and 3 reasons why they think this to encourage critical thinking.

12. Manners, manners, manners: At Perform, we believe "Manners never go on holiday", keep reminding and reinforcing "please" and "thank you".

13. Responding to "how are you?": Practise answering this question with confidence.

14. Don't use the 'S Word': Avoid calling your child 'shy' or labelling them as 'anxious'. Instead, focus on their strengths and use positive language. Children often internalise labels, so let them grow into their confidence naturally.

15. Celebrate small wins: Recognise even the tiniest achievements - it builds self-esteem and motivates your child to keep trying. A small reward or heartfelt praise can work wonders.

16. Address separation anxiety: New experiences can be nerve-wracking, but a little preparation helps. Role-play the scenario with your child to ease their fears. And remember children mirror your confidence, so smile and project positivity when it's time to part ways.

17. Create routines: Consistent routines build stability - but mixing things up on occasion also teaches adaptability.

18. Teach responsibility: Age-appropriate chores instill accountability and confidence.

19. Encourage commitment: Enroll your child in activities and teach them to see things through.

20. Learn from mistakes: Mistakes are lessons - teach your child to embrace and grow from them.

21. Have a go: Encourage trying new things, even if it feels scary. Effort matters more than perfection.

22. Ask for help: It's okay to need help - discuss who to approach in different situations.

23. Explore emotions: Discuss emotions and how we feel at different times and how everyone has happy and sad times.

24. Engage in role reversal: Let your child 'be the parent' in a game or activity to build understanding and empathy.

25. Teach theatre etiquette: Attending live performances teaches focus, patience and respect for the arts.