Is there too much pressure on our children to be the best?

With programmes like Britains Got Talent, the X Factor , Got to DANCE, THE VOICE and the like, I worry that children are now put under a lot of pressure to be the best. Not just as a result of these programmes ofcourse, but as a matter of modern culture! Surely we want happy well rounded children not competitive children under pressure to be the best, to win and to beat others! Its the taking part that counts, joining in and helping others should be the rewarding part, not the winning!!! The point is that our children cannot be the “best” at everything , so is pushing them the best option when considering their self esteem and the development of a healthy self confidence? Id suggest perhaps not! The most IMPORTANT thing is that our children are happy , feel great about themselves and fulfil their potential with gentle encouragement not pressure and force.  Of course some competition is good, its good to strive for things and great to TRY but there is so much pressure on children at the moment and its about time we recognised that there are a lot more talents to have than being the best singer, the best footballer , the highest jumper, the cleverist in class. Lets start to REWARD children for helping another child, learning to read a longer word, helping with putting things away, being polite to another person. Simply talents that will help them form relationships and live communicative and social lives which inturn will help academically, educationally, developmentally and socially. Children have to deal with exam stress, peer pressure,  media influences and lots of other worried as they learn and grow. Its no wonder children sometimes find it hard to reach their potential and have low self confidence.  . The last thing they need when they get home is a pushy parent! So here are a few things that may help: Boost esteem don’t flatten it, encourage positivity, encourage ambition, encourage improvement, encourage empowerment, but in a safe and heathy way… HOW YOU ASK? PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE OK, so all children cannot be the best, but most good childrens after school clubs and classes should promote team play, improving social and communication skills, developing talents and being apart of a team. As the experts say you cannot always win, but you can always TRY!! Try to be your best , try to be a good team player , trying equals as much reward!! So for parents in Milton Keynes why not try Sing Stars MK for your children. We promote team and group work. We allow children of all abilities to join us, giving every child the chance to shine. We reward all improvements and help childrens esteem while they have fun! Not all children can have the best voice, sing the highest note, sing the loudest so we help children with all levels of talent improve their voices, have fun and become a part of a team. Sing Stars is based in Milton Keynes and is available for children aged from 5-16 years old. Sing Stars MK is a fun and friendly group activity for your little budding singers. They will help develop your childrens vocal skills and talents, but above all they will help them to make lots of new friends, boost their own self confidence and show them just how fun creative arts can be. Sing Stars nurture and develop each childs love of singing and to encourage their energy and enthusiasm for performance. Unlike National Theatre and Drama Schools their classes are affordable and are at convenient times to suit busy Mums and Dads. Their classes hold a maximum of 15 children to allow them to focus on the needs of every child attending the group. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome! No audition is required! They give every child a chance to shine! Classes are run midweek, through term times with a show at the end of each term for mums and dads. Summer Holiday Sing Star Club is also available. Places are limited but to avoid waiting lists new classes are added to meet the demand. Please request your childs space on the next starting Club. Classes are set to Sing Star Sparklers 5-7 Sing Star Juniors 8-12 and Sing Stars Teens 13-16 There is lots of fun singing techniques and songs are suited to the age group. Glee, High School Musical, Rock School , Just Bieber , Hannah Montanna are the popular hits for Sing Star Sparklers and Juniors, with Katy Perry, Jessie Jay, One Direction , Glee being the teen choices. We also sing songs from the musicals and show and other artists they like!! Prices are £4 per class or there is the option to pay termly, there are also offers on Siblings in the club, referals and more... Please contact us for information on the next available courses for the Sing Stars Singing Club.  If you would like to find out more or book your place on a class , to find out more, or be given website and social networking links please contact via this form Sing Stars Mk also offer Private Singing Lessons and Childrens Party Entertainment... please call or email for details 07540801395