Why Toddlers Make the Best Acting Coaches

Toddlers, in their uninhibited and authentic way, embody many of the principles great actors strive to master.

You might look to legendary performers, acting coaches, or intensive workshops when searching for ways to improve your acting. But what if one of the best acting coaches was right in front of you—still in diapers? Toddlers, in their uninhibited and authentic way, embody many of the principles great actors strive to master. Their natural ability to be present, expressive, and emotionally truthful makes them an unexpected but powerful source of inspiration for actors, especially those performing on camera.

1. Toddlers Are Always in the Moment

One of the golden rules of acting is staying present. Great actors don’t anticipate the next line or worry about what the audience thinks—they live in the moment. Toddlers do this effortlessly. When a toddler is laughing, they are fully immersed in joy. When they cry, their entire being is consumed by sadness. They don’t overthink their emotions or try to manufacture them artificially.

Acting Takeaway:

Next time you perform a scene, channel a toddler’s ability to fully commit to the present moment. Instead of thinking about how you should react, strive to truly experience what is happening in the scene as if it were real.

2. They Express Pure, Unfiltered Emotion

Toddlers don’t fake emotions. If they feel something, they express it without hesitation. They haven’t learned to suppress their reactions, which makes their expressions incredibly raw and genuine—precisely what great acting demands. Whether it’s uncontainable excitement or frustration over not getting a toy, their emotions come from a real place.

Acting Takeaway:

Try genuinely feeling it in your next self-taped rather than ‘performing’ an emotion. Ask yourself: What would make me feel this way in real life? Let your responses be as spontaneous and uninhibited as a toddler’s.

3. They Have No Fear of Judgment

One of the biggest obstacles actors face is self-consciousness. Many actors worry about how they look, whether they’re delivering the perfect line reading or "doing it right." Toddlers don’t have this problem. They dance wildly, make silly faces, and play pretend without any concern about how they’re perceived. Their confidence and freedom make them naturally captivating to watch.

Acting Takeaway:

Before stepping in front of the camera, take a moment to let go of your inner critic. Do a silly dance, make exaggerated expressions, or improvise nonsense dialogue. Embracing your uninhibited side will make your performance more organic and compelling.

4. They Are Natural Improvisers

Toddlers don’t need a script to create a compelling story. Hand them a spoon, and suddenly, it’s a spaceship. Their ability to invent entire worlds out of ordinary objects is the foundation of great improvisation—something every actor can benefit from.

Acting Takeaway:

If you find scripted performances challenging, practice by improvising. Take a simple scenario and respond in the moment without overthinking. This exercise can help you add spontaneity to your work on camera, which in turn allows for flexibility even when working within the confines of a script.

5. They Fully Commit to Play

Actors often hear the phrase, “Acting is playing.” But as adults, we tend to overanalyze play rather than dive into it headfirst. Toddlers don’t just pretend to be a dragon—they become the dragon. They commit 100%, no matter how absurd the situation.

Acting Takeaway:

Next time you approach a role, ask yourself: Am I truly engaging or holding back? Push past your hesitation and immerse yourself entirely in the scene. In short, commit to the bit.

6. They Have Incredibly Honest Reactions

A toddler’s reaction is never forced. If they see something funny, they laugh with their whole body. If something confuses them, their curiosity is immediate and genuine. Many actors struggle to make their reactions natural, but toddlers do it effortlessly.

Acting Takeaway:

When reacting in a scene, don’t pre-plan your response. Instead, allow yourself to experience the moment and respond truthfully. If a toddler can do it, so can you.

7. They Have a Strong Sense of Curiosity

Toddlers are constantly exploring the world. They ask endless questions, touch everything, and look at the world with fresh eyes. This curiosity is essential for actors, especially when discovering the motivations behind a character.

Acting Takeaway:

Approach your script with the same curiosity a toddler has for a new toy. Ask: Why does my character say this? What do they really want? A sense of wonder and discovery will deepen your performance.

Want more inspiration on this subject? Check out Zen Buddhism teachings on "Beginner Mind."

8. They Trust Their Instincts

Acting is about making choices, but many actors second-guess themselves. Toddlers, however, act purely on instinct. If they want to run across the room and hug someone, they do it. If they feel like pouting, they don’t overthink it. They trust their gut.

Acting Takeaway:

When performing, go with your first instinct before judging it. Trust that your natural response is valid, and explore where it leads.

Toddlers may not hold acting degrees, but they embody the very essence of great performance—truth, presence, and uninhibited expression. The next time you struggle with a role, take a page from their playbook. Let go of fear, embrace spontaneity, and trust your instincts. After all, some of the best actors aren’t trained professionals—they’re just really, really small humans living their truth.

So, next time you’re around a toddler, observe them closely. They might just be your best acting teacher yet.

For more screen, stage, and voice-over acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!