Telling your kid “just sing louder!” is the fastest way to make them stop singing.
I’m Samuel Picou — vocal coach, NBC’s The Voice Season 5 performer, and dad-approved kid coach. Here’s what actually works.
7 Ways to Encourage Without Pressuring
- Sing along with them. Don’t be an audience — be a duet partner.
- Never correct mid-song. Save feedback for after, and only the positive.
- Make a “singing playlist” for the car. Their songs, their volume, no judgment.
- Praise effort, not talent. “Wow you went for that high note!” beats “you’re so talented.”
- Let them perform for stuffed animals first. Low-stakes audiences build courage.
- Record them on your phone. Most kids are stunned (in a good way) at how they actually sound.
- Get a real coach when they ask. Don’t be the parent + the teacher. It’s too much pressure on both of you.
Watch: The 30-Second Warm-Up I Give Every New Student
What One Mom Said
“Julie finally sings without being nervous. I’ve never heard her this confident before.” — Jen, Julie’s mom
👉 Get the Free Vocal Starter Kit for Your Kid
I made a Free Vocal Workbook + Warm-Ups for kids ages 6–16. It’s the same 5-minute daily routine I give every new student — printable, kid-friendly, and works fast.
Free instant download. No credit card. Just your email so I can send it.