Nobody Told Me This Before: We Waited Too Long to Focus on Public Speaking for Our 13-Year-Old — Until PlanetSpark Changed Everything
I want to start with a confession.
Nobody told me this before – that public speaking is not just a “stage activity,” it’s a life skill. And honestly, we realized it a little too late for our 13-year-old daughter.
As parents, we were always chasing good marks, neat handwriting, and finishing homework on time. We thought confidence will come automatically when she grows up. But it didn’t. Instead, by the time she entered teenage, we saw hesitation, nervousness, and even fear of speaking up. That’s when reality hit us hard.
This is our story. A story of waiting too long, but finally finding the right help at PlanetSpark.
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The Early Signs We Ignored
When my daughter was in primary classes, she was always the quiet child. She would answer in one word, avoid raising her hand, and at birthday parties she preferred sitting in the corner rather than mingling.
We thought – “It’s okay, she’s just shy. She will outgrow it.”
But truth is, shyness grew with her.
By the time she reached grade 7, teachers started pointing out, “She knows the answers but she doesn’t speak up. She lacks confidence.”
At home, I noticed she avoided even reading aloud. Whenever relatives visited, she would hide in her room. In family gatherings, while other kids were telling jokes or performing a dance, my child was silent.
As parents, we brushed it aside saying, “Not every child is outspoken. She is good in studies, that’s enough.”
Now I regret saying that.
The Day That Broke Me
Last year, her school had a debate competition. For the first time, she wanted to try. We were so happy that she finally showed interest. She prepared, she wrote her points, she practiced in front of the mirror.
But on the stage… she froze. Tears in her eyes, silence on the mic. She couldn’t say a single sentence.
When she came back home, she said, “I don’t want to try again. Please don’t force me.”
That day broke me as a mother. Not because she lost, but because I realized she had lost her confidence. And maybe, we as parents were late in giving her the right environment.
Why Nobody Told Us This Before
In schools, they keep telling us about marks, exams, syllabus. They rarely guide us on communication or confidence. Even in parenting groups, people talk about maths tuition, coding classes, or science Olympiad.
Nobody told me before that public speaking is as important as maths.
Nobody told me that confidence has to be taught and practiced, not just expected.
Nobody told me that if we don’t work on this early, kids might carry fear for life.
I wish somebody had told me this when she was 7, not 13.
How We Found PlanetSpark
After that incident, I started searching online – “How to improve child’s confidence in speaking?” and “Public speaking classes for kids.”
PlanetSpark’s name kept appearing. At first, I was skeptical. Online classes for speaking? Will it even work?
But I read reviews of other parents. Many said their child was shy, hesitant, quiet – but PlanetSpark helped them open up. That gave me hope.
We booked a trial class. My daughter was nervous, but the teacher was warm and encouraging. She didn’t just “teach,” she engaged, made her laugh, asked her to share her thoughts without pressure. After the trial, my daughter whispered to me, “Can I do more classes?”
That was the turning point.
The Journey with PlanetSpark
The first few classes were small baby steps.
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Reading short passages aloud.
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Playing fun speaking games.
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Expressing opinions on small topics like “What’s your favorite food?”
Slowly, her voice became clearer. The teacher corrected her gently – not too much, not in a way that made her feel bad.
Within 2 months, she was participating in group activities, debating with classmates online, even presenting small speeches.
The biggest surprise for me? She volunteered to host her school assembly! I almost cried that day because the same girl who once froze on stage was now holding a mic confidently.
What Changed Inside Her
PlanetSpark didn’t just improve her speaking. It changed her mindset.
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She started believing “I can do this.”
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She stopped memorizing lines and started expressing in her own words.
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Her confidence grew not only on stage but also in daily life – talking to relatives, ordering food at a restaurant, asking doubts in class.
I noticed she smiles more when she speaks now. Her body language is open. Her voice is strong.
This is what I mean when I say – PlanetSpark changed everything.
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My Honest Reflection as a Parent
Do I regret waiting till 13? Yes.
Do I feel guilty? Yes, sometimes.
But I also feel grateful that we found PlanetSpark at the right time. Better late than never.
To other parents, I want to say: please don’t wait like we did. Don’t think “confidence will come naturally.” It needs practice, guidance, and nurturing.
If your child is 6, 7, or 8 years old – start now. If they are older, don’t think it’s too late. Every age can benefit.
Nobody Told Me, So I Am Telling You
Nobody told me before. But I am telling you now.
Public speaking is not just about winning a debate or giving a speech. It’s about shaping your child’s personality, making them fearless, helping them stand tall in this competitive world.
PlanetSpark gave my child the wings of confidence. And honestly, as parents, that’s the biggest gift we can give.
Final Words
If you’re reading this and your child hesitates to speak, hides behind you in social situations, or avoids stage – please take it seriously. We waited too long. Don’t repeat our mistake.
Our 13-year-old found her voice because of PlanetSpark. And I am proud to say – she is not just speaking now, she is shining.
No matter what type of learner your child is, PlanetSpark helps set your child up for success by providing online classes with a curriculum that's designed to develop essential skills to make your child future-ready.

No matter what type of learner your child is, PlanetSpark helps set your child up for success by providing online classes with a curriculum that's designed to develop essential skills to make your child future-ready.

No matter what type of learner your child is, PlanetSpark helps set your child up for success by providing online classes with a curriculum that's designed to develop essential skills to make your child future-ready.
