Imagine your child stepping up to the starting line at their school carnival, ready to run the 100-metre race. They’ve trained hard, they’re fast, and they’ve got natural talent. But suddenly, their chest tightens, their thoughts race, and they feel like running off the track. This is performance anxiety, and it can hold even the most capable kids back. The good news is: with the right support, your child can learn to manage those nerves, unlock their full potential, and even start enjoying the spotlight.
When Anxiety Strikes
Performance anxiety doesn’t just affect kids who struggle. In fact, many children who are perfectionists put a lot of pressure on themselves. Often it is the kids who want to come first, impress their teachers, please their coaches, and make you proud. When things feel uncertain, they freeze—not because they don’t care, but because they care so much.
This kind of anxiety often hides behind good grades and polished performances. Your child may be doing well on the outside, but inside they’re battling with self-doubt, fear of failure, and a constant need to prove themselves.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
Getting upset or angry over small mistakes
Practising endlessly to avoid messing up
Avoiding challenges they might not ace
Physical symptoms like headaches or tummy aches before big events
Being hard on themselves or calling themselves names
These signs suggest your child is carrying more pressure than they can handle alone.
Mia’s Music Recital
Mia was ten and already playing piano at a high level. At home, she was confident and graceful. But at recital time, everything changed. She cried, said she felt sick, and refused to go. Her mum knew Mia wasn’t lazy—she just couldn’t handle the pressure of performing perfectly.
After a few online sessions with Calm Kids Coach, Mia learnt why her brain was reacting the way it was. She discovered ways to calm her nerves, reframe her thoughts, and see the recital as a chance to share her music—not a test to pass. Two months later, Mia performed her favourite piece with calm joy. She didn’t just survive the moment—she thrived in it.
Why Anxiety Gets in the Way
When your child faces a high-pressure moment, their brain may signal danger. This triggers a stress response: fast heart rate, shaky hands, and a blank mind. Even if they’ve done the preparation, anxiety can stop them from showing what they know.
Many children or teens worry about not being “good enough” or letting people down. They compare themselves to others and chase perfection. But perfection isn’t possible—and trying to reach it can be exhausting.
Shifting the Mindset
What your child thinks about themselves and their abilities has a powerful impact. Kids with performance anxiety often believe:
“I have to be the best.”
“If I fail, everyone will think I’m a loser.”
“Mistakes mean I’m not good enough.”
NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) helps kids understand and change these unhelpful patterns. They learn how to:
Calm their body quickly in stressful moments
Replace pressure with motivation
Embrace learning instead of fearing failure
Perform at their best with confidence and joy
Why NLP Coaching Works for Achieving Elite Results
NLP coaching isn’t about lowering the bar. It’s about helping kids raise it without burning out. Sessions are personalised, engaging, and goal-focused. Kids learn:
How to rewire perfectionist thinking
Tools to switch off the stress response
Techniques to perform under pressure
How to enjoy the journey, not just the outcome
Best of all, it’s available online across Australia. Your child can access expert support from home—whether you’re in a city, the suburbs, or a small town.
Real Confidence, Real Results
Confidence doesn’t come from always winning. It comes from knowing you can handle whatever happens. When your child learn this and knows that it is true deep in their heart, they become unstoppable—not just in sport or school, but in life.
Some children worry most about failure — especially those who are accustomed to excelling. When they face tasks that don’t come easily, anxiety can creep in. Helping your child see failure as a normal part of learning and progress rather than something to fear, can ease that anxiety and build resilience.
Jack and His Speeches
Jack was in Year 5 and always at the top of his class. But whenever he had to give a speech, he panicked. He’d practise for hours, then freeze on the day. After a few online coaching sessions, Jack learnt to picture himself speaking with ease. He used calming tools and started thinking differently about what success meant.
At the end of the term, Jack gave a speech in front of the school and nailed it. His teacher noticed a big shift—not just in Jack’s delivery, but in his attitude. He was proud, composed, and actually enjoying the moment.
What You Can Do as a Parent
Your child already has so much potential. Here’s how you can support them to use it fully:
Celebrate progress, not just perfection
Talk about mistakes as learning tools
Model calm, kind self-talk
Keep expectations realistic and encouraging
Reach out for support if anxiety is creeping in
You don’t need to wait until there’s a crisis. Helping your child now means setting them up for a future of resilience, joy, and success.
Ready to Unlock the Next Level?
At Calm Kids Coach, we specialise in supporting high-performing children to overcome performance anxiety. Our coaching is tailored to each child’s needs and delivered online, so support is always within reach.
If your child is ready to stop being held back by anxiety and start performing at their full potential, book a free discovery call today. Let’s give them the tools to shine—on their terms.
Your child is already achieving. Just imagine how far they could go without anxiety in the way.