Many families grapple with the decision of whether to include their children in a trip to the live theater. While some live theater shows are best for adults, finding one that is child-friendly gives you the opportunity to teach your children valuable lessons. As you plan your next family event, consider these six impressive reasons why your children will benefit from a trip to a professional live theater.
1- Cultivate Your Family’s Values
Many digital forms of entertainment don’t always uphold family values. With live theater, you can select shows that are designed to teach children the values that you hold dear. Finding a theater show that is based upon a classic value-based children’s story or a religious theme is a great way to highlight important morals and character traits.
2- Teach Proper Theater Etiquette
Learning theater etiquette is much easier for families when they are surrounded by others who share the same goal. Trying to get your child not to fidget during a classic Broadway show simply isn’t ideal, since it doesn’t take their needs and abilities into consideration. Taking them to a live theater show that is lively and captures your child’s interest is the best way to teach them etiquette that they can be successful at practicing.
3- Strengthen Communication Skills
Live theaters are fun because they use exciting language to tell the story along with body language that supports each statement. For young children, this is a great opportunity to pick up new vocabulary and learn language patterns that benefit them in school and at home.
4- Develop an Appreciation for Art
Being exposed to cultural experiences at an early age helps children grow to appreciate them when they are older. Since children’s shows are designed to keep them entertained, your child will look forward to attending shows as they grow. You can also combine a live theater show with reading a book that follows a similar plot to reinforce your child’s learning.
5- Inspire Your Child’s Imagination
Live actors wear costumes and act on a stage is carefully designed to support the story. Yet, the limitations that exist within the live theater genre also require the audience to use their imaginations. Your child may enjoy reenacting the play that they see when they get home. Or, they may enjoy playing dress up later. Giving your child inspiration to be creative is perfect for getting them to use their imaginations.
6- Enjoy a Memorable Social Event
Finding a live theater that offers unique shows and extended experiences gives your family even more benefits during the outing. For instance, finding a play that offers meet-and-greets after the show allows your child to meet the actors. Or, you could add a visit to the petting zoo after the play to let your kids meet the animals that participated in the story. Either way, your children will gain social skills while also building powerful memories that they will cherish forever.
Making sure to choose a live theater show that holds your child’s interest helps your family event be successful. After the show, remember to plan some time to discuss what everyone saw. Sharing what each person learned and loved the most increases your child’s retention of the show’s lessons and strengthens your family’s bonds.
Published By: Aize Perez
