Not every child wants to play sports, but if you’re looking for an activity where she can learn the benefits of working as a team and get a great workout for her imagination, a children’s theater
program might be the ticket.
   
Especially during the preteen years, when children are faced with increasing pressures to “fit in,” theater programs can offer a stage for building self-esteem and confidence, says Madeline Porter, of South Coast Repertory.
   
“It’s all about learning to work together and allowing yourself to use all of your
imagination, which, sometimes in a school setting, is not easy to do,” she says. For those kids who may be shy or lacking confidence, Porter says participating in theater is one way to give kids an opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment.
   
Other lifelong skills kids learn through theater include responsibility, self-discipline and concentration, as well as the ability to make sound choices and focus on goals.
   
At Riverside Youth Theater, programs focus on building character by encouraging kids to develop a cooperative spirit and strong work ethic; they find joy in good old-fashioned fun. The theater even offers a “Star Award” for kids who exhibit exceptional character throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
   
“I think one of the biggest benefits for kids is that they begin to believe in themselves because they find out they can do these things. Parents who are used to a shy child get a huge kick out of seeing him learn to open up on stage,” adds Porter.
   
Theater programs for youth abound in Southern California. South Coast Repertory offers a late summer workshop this month for kids in grades 3 though 6. Designed as an introduction to theater, the two-week workshop touches on a wide variety of theater-related topics, from acting to working behind the scenes, and culminates with a performance for family and friends. No experience is required, and those kids who enjoy it can go on to audition for year-round performance programs.
   
Best of all, youth theater programs can benefit the entire family. Often, productions request parents and siblings to volunteer for various behind-the-scenes jobs, and everyone’s hard work is rewarded with an evening out to enjoy the resulting show.

Youth theater programs in Orange County:
> South Coast Repertory
Costa Mesa; 714.708.5577; scr.org

> Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County
Newport Beach; 949.955.3737; mta_oc@juno.com

> Children’s Theatre Workshop (CTW)
Mission Viejo ; 949.581.5402
contact@childrenstheatreworkshop.org

> The Center Stage Studio
Aliso Viejo; 949.305.9758
San Clemente; 949.257.6566; theCenterStageSC.com n


Stand up to bullying

The excitement of a new school year can be overshadowed with fear and anxiety for those kids who know what it’s like to be bullied. An estimated 30 percent of school kids face bullying in one form or another. How can you help your child avoid becoming a victim?
   
Make sure the lines of communication are open, says Janet Heller, author of “How the Moon Regained Her Shape,” a children’s book that tackles bullying through American Indian folklore.
   
“Listen carefully when children complain about being taunted, threatened, pushed or hit by other kids,” says Heller. “Bullying can be dangerous to kids’ mental, emotional and physical health.”
   
Parents need to help kids learn to stand up for themselves and others when faced with bullying. Talk to them about ways to counter verbal attacks without being mean or violent, she suggests. Asking a bully to leave them alone, or telling them they are not interested in their comments, may discourage some verbal exchanges. The key is helping your child stay confident when they are faced with such a confrontation. You may even consider giving your child basic self-defense training, she adds.
   
Karen Santaniello, owner of No Limits Mixed Martial Arts in Irvine, says that her young students learn how to defend themselves, but also learn that fighting back is only a last resort.
   
Something as simple as averting eye contact can identify a potential target for a bully. But when kids have the confidence of knowing they can defend themselves, they aren’t afraid to look someone straight in the eye, and bullies tend to think twice about starting anything, she says.
   
“We teach them to compete on the mat, never to take it to the street. They know they can defend themselves if they have to, but they don’t have to show off,” adds Santaniello.
   
Another plus to martial arts is that anyone can do well, even kids who don’t necessarily excel at traditional sports. n

Michele Piazzoni is a regular contributor to OC Family magazine.


Nothing more than sugar water

The drink of the day for my 11-year-old is vitamin water. Even though she thinks it’s a healthy drink, I have my doubts. The Nutritional Facts label says these drinks have only half the calories of soda pop, but depending on the serving size, the number of calories can easily top 100. Plus, they can have up to 30 grams of sugar and carbs.
   
The water used to make them is vapor-distilled, which means the minerals have been removed, says Christopher Wanjek, author of “Bad Medicine” and “Food At Work.”        

The only vitamin that had more than 20 percent of the daily allowance in my daughter’s latest drink was Vitamin C, which she could have had with a small glass of orange juice.
 
What really gets me is the wording on the label: “If you’re not a superhero, but still want to look good in tight T-shirts, we recommend this bottle.”