Child modelling is growing in popularity and nowadays modelling agencies are looking for all sorts of looks, not necessarily the classic beauty. They’re looking for interesting looks as well as great personalities to match. Just about any child can get into modelling and it can be a whole heap of fun, however, as with everything there is the good and the bad. Here we weigh up the pros and cons of child modelling and what you can expect. This should help you decide whether or not this suits your child and importantly your family. A day in the life of a child model, and you as a parent can be very hectic indeed.
The Light Side of Child Modelling
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Excitement Galore
Child modelling is certainly extremely exciting. Seeing your child in front of the camera while doing an excellent job can make your heart leap with pride. The after effects of that is when you see them on TV, or in print, or even on billboards can be a thrilling moment for the whole family. And that feeling never goes away, no matter how many jobs they do.
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Bonding Time
When your child is a model, there is no doubt that you will spend a lot of quality time together, while you head off to casting calls and finally spending precious time together when they are working. It can definitely increase the bond that you and your child have. You will also probably take the role of chief entertainer as you play together waiting for shooting to start or other things that might crop up and delay the moment.
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Social Butterflies
Not only will you become a social butterfly as you mingle with other parents, agencies, clients and more, but your child will learn to socialize as well, with anyone they come across. This will build self-confidence and self-esteem, setting them up for life.
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Facing the World
One great thing about child modelling is that your child will be placed in all sorts of situations which they will have to learn to adapt to. This will help them to be resilient and strong children.
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Exploring the World
So they’ll be able to face the world and all its challenges, but you could quite possibly land up travelling the world too. Not only do you get to see new and exciting places, but it teaches your child about different cultures and ways of life, which are important for their development.
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Saving for a Rainy Day
If you want to set up a nice little nest egg for your children, then this is a great way to do that. You can take the money that they make and put it into a savings account for them to access when they’re older, perhaps to fund college or travel the world as well.
The Dark Side of Child Modelling
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Scheduling Woes
One of the biggest drawbacks of child modelling is the amount of time it can take and how you will have to adjust your schedules on short notice to attend a casting, or to attend a shooting with little or no notice. This can become a serious problem if you are working, or if your child is in school. If you have the time then it’s fine, but you will have to be able to be flexible at a moment’s notice.
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Body Conscious
As your child gets older, they can often become very conscious of their bodies and how they look. If this isn’t caught in time, it could lead to some psychological issues.
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Scam Alert
Even though it might be hard to believe, the modelling world is full of scams. It can be hard to determine if the business is legitimate or not, but experts agree on one dead giveaway; if they ask for money up front, be very wary. Most reputable agencies only start collecting fees once your child has started working and they will take a percentage of the earnings.
There is another trick to beware of. Sometimes modelling agencies don’t ask for money outright but will tell you that you need to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollar on videos or professional photos of your child. They claim that they will send these to their clients. Agencies that are legit will be happy with regularly updated home snapshots or at the very most a composite of professionally shot cards – these include a few small photos of your child.
Go with your gut instinct and always research the agencies online, there can be a wealth of information there that will help you decide whether an agency is legitimate or not.
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Money Matters
You need to be realistic about the amount of money you think your child will earn. Some do really well, but in most cases you will not be raking in millions of dollars. Some child models only get about 2 or 3 jobs a month so be prepared for that fact.
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Dealing with Rejection
It is a fact of life that your child will be rejected for certain jobs. You need to instil in them not to take rejection as a failure and to not take it too personally. The modelling world is tough, but if they can deal with rejection, they’ll be resilient kids and adults too.
We hope this article has given you some good advice when it comes to your child potentially becoming a model. Weigh up the pros and cons and see if this is the lifestyle you want for your child and your family too
