When A Child Wants To Be A Model: 3 Simple Tips For Dads
There are kids who want to be doctors. Some fantasize about becoming astronauts. Others dream about being firefighters, teachers, or chefs.
Among these childhood dreams, there are also those who get starry-eyed by imagining themselves to be the next supermodel. They want to be in front of the camera, dreaming about their faces on the next billboard or TV commercial.
If there’s a dad out there who happens to have a child intent on becoming the world’s next top child model, would that daddy know what to do?
Guiding Hand
It is undeniable what a father’s role can play in a child’s development but it is certainly not the easiest spot to fill. After all, “almost anyone can father a child but not everyone can truly play the role of a father.”
There is so much more to being a male parent. Studies show that children with affectionate, supportive, and involved fathers have enhanced cognitive, linguistic, and social abilities. At the same time, kids with a strong father figure also display better academic aptitude, high self-esteem, and a good sense of well-being.
These admirable traits will especially be helpful when children want to pursue modeling. For these dads, it will not be enough to just allow their kids to go out and seek out modeling opportunities themselves. Responsible dads will ensure that they are with their kids every step of the way, not just to ensure their kids safety but also to be a guiding hand that will steer their kids towards the right path.
The World of Modeling
Stereotypically speaking, it is usually the moms’ job to accompany kids to modeling-related activities. However, times have changed and gender roles have gradually shifted. Nowadays, it is a pretty common sight to see fathers ferrying their children to auditions or castings, gigs, and other modeling jobs.
There will surely be a lot of questions swirling in the minds of dads who are still unsure about their kids becoming child models. For these newbie papas, here are three simple and straightforward tips to help them navigate the modeling world:
1. Consider the Child Personality
Before anything else, it is imperative for any parent to make sure that their child is ready to be a model. A dad may think his daughter is the prettiest in the world but if that girl lacks the character to be a child model, then it might be better to reflect on it first.
Favorable traits to have in a child who wishes to become the darling of the limelight must include:
● Patience (for the long hours during pictorials/shoots)
● Ability to take directions easily
● Emotional stability (to not be too affected by possible audition or job letdowns)
● Flexibility
● Personable character
2. Ensure the Parent’s Own Readiness
It is not enough to check only the child’s readiness for modeling. Parents should also check if they are ready to support their kid all the way because modeling involves commitment.
Why? Consider the following reasons:
● Most of the time, it is the parents of these children who will do most of the work. Parents can expect to drive their kid everywhere — from auditions and casting calls to other modeling gigs.
● They should also look forward to filling out form after form of various kinds, including poring over contracts and job agreements. There will also be schedules to juggle as well as a lot of waiting – waiting in auditions, castings, pictorials, TV shoots and the like.
● The possibility of relocation (and everything it entails – time, energy and resources) should also be considered.
3. Choose the Right Agency
To ensure the safety of a child when taking modeling or acting jobs, a modeling or acting agency should be seriously considered. There will be a lot of modeling agency questions especially for first-timers. Usually, the most common one concern is how to choose the right one.
The parent must remember that an agent will be a representative for the child when dealing with potential employers. This agent will work on the child’s behalf in ensuring that all working conditions and guidelines are met, that proper pay rates are negotiated, and that the best possible working conditions are provided for the child. They will organize contracts and work permits and, in return, they will take a commission out of the wage they have negotiated for.
It is best that parents choose an agency that will suit their requirements, mainly, to represent the best interest of the child. It is ideal to go for a reputable agency that has years of experience in the industry because this will be an indicator that they have a history of doing good work with both clients and talents.
Walk the Talk
When supporting a child’s dreams, hobbies, or other interests, it is also crucial that parents become role models. A daughter will usually look to her dad and see how he treats his mother or other people. A son will normally emulate how his father acts around the home.
If a parent wants a child to see success in his or her modeling endeavors, then the parent should lead the way. For example, a parent has to be patient while waiting at auditions, be more personable at social functions, or simply exhibit a strong and disciplined character.
The child will also see the parent’s care in making choices regarding modeling as being responsible. This attention that a parent gives to the child will certainly play a significant role in the modeling journey.
Fathers who carry positive traits contribute greatly to how their children develop and grow as adults. If they act as capable caretakers, then there is a huge possibility that children will reward them by growing into responsible, caring adults as well.
If dads are good role models for their kids, then it is likely that these children will not only be child models, but also grow to be upright citizens as well.
For fathers out there who have been through the motions, what would be good tips to try?
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting , the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia.