Finding a Future After Child Modeling

Let’s face it: There are some pretty scary stories about “washed up” child models and actors. We’ve all seen the documentaries about once-beloved child models or actors whose lives spun out of control and left them with no real direction, penniless, or worse.

However, you should know that these stories aren’t the norm for children who were once models or actors; rather, they’re more the exception to the norm. Many child models and actors grow up to pursue other interests in creative fields and find fulfillment thanks to the experiences and contacts they gained while working as kid models for photo shoots or commercials.

If your child is interested and seems like she would be well suited for working as a kid model or actor, don’t let these horror stories keep you from helping her get started.

What Can Your Child Do with Modeling Experience?

Child models can’t stay child models forever – children grow up! However, working as a kid model can open many doors for your son and daughter. For example, your child might decide he wants to pursue a modeling career as an adult, or even pursue careers in dancing, acting, or singing.

Of course, your child might not want to directly use his child modeling experience in the future. Child modeling provides much more than just experience in the entertainment industry, and your son or daughter can use the money made from child modeling and acting to pay for normal life events like buying a first car, help pay for his or her college education, or fund other interests he or she develops.

Getting Your Kid Started in the Child Modeling Business

The first thing you need to do is determine whether your child is interested in and suited for child modeling. Think about your answers to these questions:

• Has your son or daughter expressed interest in being one of the kids in commercials or catalog advertisements for products like toys or clothes he or she likes?

• Does your child have a “look” for modeling? All children are beautiful, but art directors often seek children with a certain “look” for print and commercial advertisements, and this “look” can change from job to job.

• Does your child seem comfortable in the limelight?

• How suited for working with industry professionals is your child’s personality and disposition?

If you decide child modeling might be beneficial for your son or daughter, the next thing you must do is seek representation from a reputable kids modeling agency.

There are numerous child modeling agencies out there looking for your business – some of them are legit and, sadly, some of them are scams. You can avoid these rip-off businesses when you seek help from an industry insider. Someone who has experience in the kid modeling business can not only help you weed out the scam agencies from the real deals, but this person can also help you obtain contact information for these agencies as well as help you make preparations before you contact them.