This post is brought to you by UK Models.
All kids are beautiful is my belief. But, some are set apart for their distinctive look or maybe because they have a certain something that would help people relate to a product better than others.
If you think your child has something different than others, then you may be considering signing them up with an agency.
Is modeling right for your child? Is it right for you as parents? Let’s dive in and explore this subject as there are no easy answers.
Does your child have the X factor that agents look for?
Child models are more than just a pretty face. They must have the right temperament and personality to even be considered by an agency.
Is your child well behaved? I don’t mean shy or just not bratty. I mean can they take direction? How are they around adults? Do they just obey and do what they are told, or do they interact with adults?
These are important distinctions because this kind of personality will do really well during auditions and will get serious consideration.
If your child is disobedient and testy, then that likely is not going to work. An outgoing child that is confident around other kids as well as adults will be the first to be considered for a job.
Are you cut out for it?
Parents also need to be a certain type. Think of it in these terms: If your kid wants to play hockey, then you have to be the type that is willing to get up before dawn and travel hundreds of miles for games. Are you that type? If not then hockey for your kid isn’t a good idea, but maybe another sport is.
That may seem like a weird anecdote, but the same rules apply. To be a parent of a child model means that you’ll do the driving, the waiting, the endless phone calls and dealing with rejection.
If you can go with the flow and not have too many expectations then you could be the sort that finds it feasible. Patience is the name of the game when dealign with agencies and agents.
Those that need things to be on schedule and predictable are not likely to survive long in the modeling world.
Does your child benefit from modeling?
Modeling can be a double edged sword. On one hand, it can really help with a child’s self esteem when things are going well.
It can also hurt when things are not. If your child is ok at understanding not to take rejections personally then they can thrive in that industry.
There are a lot of ups and downs and being able to manage emotions is a must.
They also learn about making money and money management when it is done well. Child models can make several hundred dollars per day, but those gigs don’t happen every day. This is a great opportunity to teach about budgeting if they are of a certain age to understand the concept.
