Guiding Your Child Through Rejection
Jenn Boyce answers one of the hardest questions to face as a parent: How do I help my child handle rejection and build resilience in such a tough industry?
I know this one personally—and deeply. Watching your child face disappointment can be just as hard (if not harder) than facing it yourself. But the truth is: rejection is part of this business. And handled well, it can actually become one of the most powerful tools for growth.
Here are a few things I always share with the families I work with:
Normalize it early.
Make rejection feel normal—not shameful. Help your child understand that not booking a role doesn’t mean they did something wrong. It just means it wasn’t their job. And guess what? Another one will be. It’s not personal—it’s casting.
Focus on what they can control.
Celebrate the work, not the outcome. Did they take a risk in their performance? Did they connect with the scene? Were they proud of their tape? Let that be the win. The more we shift focus away from booking and toward progress, the stronger they become.
Remind them: If it’s your job, it’s your job.
This is one of my favorite phrases (and my clients know it well!). If it’s your child’s role, no one else can take it from them. And if it’s not? It was never meant to be. Let that truth take the pressure off.
Feedback is a gift.
If they do get notes or callbacks—even if they don’t book—that’s a win. Casting saw something in them. Help your child understand that failing isn’t failing—it’s learning. Every “no” is a chance to grow, get stronger, and get closer. That’s how real progress happens.
Model emotional regulation.
Your child will watch how you respond to rejection. If you spiral, stress, or question everything after every “no,” they will too. Stay calm, stay grounded, and remind them that this is all part of the process.
Rejection isn’t easy—but it can be empowering. When your child learns how to move through it with confidence, they won’t just be stronger actors… they’ll be stronger humans.
Your Hollywood Guide,
Jenn Boyce
Creator of The Hollywood Prep
