I have to preface this with the fact that I feel TOTALLY ridiculous...
Some of my friends keep bugging me to get my 5 mo old into baby modeling. Pros and cons? It would be cute to see him in some ad, but I feel weird calling up an agency to get my son in some situation that is not his choice. Plus, I'd be like every mom..."Isn't MY son the cutest?" Ugh. Makes me feel like an idiot.
Does this make sense?
One of my friends said that her daughter won a pageant and got some free professional photography. I'd LOVE that! But, I feel like I don't know anything about the industry, etc.
Anyone have any experience with that?

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - 09:06 pm:

I don't know, i'm a bit on both sides. I think its very cute seeing all those cute faces on magazines and such and as they get older I assume it would help with their socialization skills.

But the first thing I really think of is "Pageant Mom!" I watched a show on it once which was really based on little girls but these children werent allowed to be children at all. I wanted to cry for them. They couldnt play, their hair had to constantly be brushed, they did nothing but practice and they just overall didnt have that child "spark" in their eyes. They were miserable inside.


But I suppose if the parents dont get carried away with it, it could be a really fun experience. I wouldnt do it for my DD because I dont want people making weight recommendations to her at a young age. I want her to grow knowing that beauty comes from within, and with the modeling agents nowadays, it will be hard to raise a kid that way.

By My2cuties on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 12:23 am:

I don't see any harm in it, as long as you let him be a baby. No other advice, I think Melissa pretty much covered how I feel too. Good Luck if you do put him in though.

By Ladypeacek on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 02:33 am:

I did pageants with my dd, when she was 3 we started. THe first time i just borrowed a dress to see if she liked and she did. So we continued and she did very well. But i would never allow any makeup or hair extensions (yes most at her age already doing this) the most she could have was the powder for the lights. At that age it was really good for her because it gave her alot of cinfidence in herself sinc event he kids that lost all got trophies and prizes...so even the ones she did not win..i never told her that.
I did see too many parents yelling and screaming and crying when kids didnt win and it made me terribly sad.
As far as modeling..she was asked by 2 different very small magazines just around town and i let her do one which was just a coupon type mailer magazine. She didnt get paid but i thought it would be cute for her to have.
I dont think i would allow her to get into it too much. It is very easy to get sucked in and end up hurting your child...especially when you have more than one...if the other isnt doing these things. Does that make sense?

By Mrsheidi on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 11:08 am:

Makes sense...I can definitely see the pressure that could be there. It would be fun for him since he likes to travel and see different people. It would also be nice to get out of the house! LOL!
I might try it...would be cute to have something in his photo album! I'll have to do some research first though...

By Breann on Friday, December 17, 2004 - 09:34 pm:

My daughter was actually featured in a clothing magazine.

We did a pageant once and I guess there were "scouts" there. They flagged us down afterwards and asked us if we would be interested. Of course we said yes. We were very flattered!

I don't have a scanner or I would scan the page so you all could see it!

I say go for it! It will be fun

By Rayanne on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 10:53 am:

Everyone tells me the same thing about Rylee. I would love to get her into photography, but I have no clue as to how to go about it. I don't want her to do pageants, I just would love for her to either do comercials, or magazines.

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, December 18, 2004 - 12:09 pm:

Your feelings make sense. This is a personal decision. I've never had any desire to get my children into modeling. JMHO, but deep down I feel it's exploiting them. I also don't like the message modeling teaches kids - that beauty, looks and vanity are important in life. I respect other parents' decisions but am not comfortable with it for my kids. *If* they show an interest when they're older I'll support them and will be fine with it, but will not get them into it on my account or anyone elses.