A Parent’s Perspective on Child Modeling

Modeling

Is Your Little One Destined for the Spotlight?

I never imagined my son Maolik would catch the attention of a talent scout at our local mall. But there we were, picking up new shoes for the school year, when a well-dressed woman approached us with her business card and talked about Maolik’s “photogenic features” and “natural camera presence.” My immediate reaction was a mixture of pride and suspicion. Was this legitimate? And more importantly, was this something we should even consider?

That unexpected encounter three years ago launched our family into the sometimes dazzling, occasionally disappointing world of child modeling. And if you’ve ever wondered whether your child has what it takes, I’m here to share what I’ve learned along this journey.

First things first – and this might burst some bubbles – but physical appearance isn’t everything. Sure, conventionally cute kids get noticed, but what agencies REALLY look for might surprise you. When my daughter Lily wanted to follow in her brother’s footsteps, I assumed her adorable dimples would be her ticket in. Wrong! Her first audition was a disaster because she froze up completely. Meanwhile, Maolik’s always had this inexplicable comfort in front of strangers. He’ll chat up anyone at the grocery store (sometimes to my embarrassment when he overshares about mommy’s “special juice” that I drink after bedtime).

Temperament is truly everything in this business. Your child needs to be able to take direction from strangers, often repeatedly, without melting down. And while we’re on the topic of meltdowns – be prepared for LOTS of rejection. Like, way more nos than yeses. This isn’t a business for the faint of heart, neither for children nor their parents!

I remember reading Jenny Cooper’s fantastic blog “Model Moms Uncensored” where she wrote about bringing snacks to every audition. Such simple yet brilliant advice! Nothing derails an opportunity faster than a hangry five-year-old. (Though I learned the hard way that chocolate was a terrible choice for Maolik before a spring clothing catalog shoot. His white shirt didn’t stay white for long.)

But how do you actually know if your child has potential?

Look for these signs:

• They enjoy being photographed and don’t become stiff or unnatural
• They can follow simple instructions from people they don’t know well
• They have decent stamina and patience (auditions can be LONG)
• They bounce back quickly from disappointment

I initially thought modeling would be a fantastic confidence-builder for both kids. And while that’s been true for Maolik, I’ve since found that it actually increased Lily’s anxiety around new situations. We decided to step back from pursuing it for her, despite having already invested in professional headshots. Sometimes what works for one child is completely wrong for another, even within the same family.

The financial aspect is worth mentioning too. Between petrol for driving to auditions, professional photos, appropriate clothing, and agency fees, we probably spent close to Rs.50,000 before Maolik booked his first paid gig. This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme by any means!

All things considered, I don’t regret our journey into child modeling. But I’m still figuring out how to balance the opportunities it provides against the pressure it sometimes creates. And that’s okay – parenting is always a work in progress, isn’t it?