So, you’re thinking of guiding your child into the exciting and exclusive world of modeling. Good for you! The child modeling industry can be a rollercoaster of emotion, joy, travel and glamor. Working as a child model can introduce your little one to an array of experiences that will help them mature into worldly and wise adults. It can teach them important lessons about responsibility, consistency, professionalism and discipline, among many others. But the child modeling industry is not without its risks, challenges and drawbacks. The high level of pressure and performance child models face can be too much for more sensitive kids. But with the right guidance, expectations and advice, there’s no reason why your child can’t have an amazing experience as a child model. So to help you, here are five important tips that all potential child models need to know, from the seasoned experts at Bensimon Models & Talent.
The modeling agency can be an intimidating place — so the last thing your child will need as they navigate it is ‘tough love’. Your little one needs your support, care and unconditional love more than they need discipline or added criticisms from you. What’s more, they need to feel how much you believe in their talent and their future in the industry. So don’t be afraid to express just how wonderful you think they are. And if/when they do face some rejection down the line (it happens to everyone after all) be right there in their corner, cheering them on to keep going, keep working, and keep smiling.
The life of a successful child model can be filled with appointments, photo shoots, commercials, classes and more. And we all know that kids need time to just be kids. So make sure to prioritize and actually schedule in some free time for your children to do just that. Set up playdates, organize trips to the park or the beach, and even carve out some time where nothing is planned — letting your kids become a little bit bored is a necessary ingredient to encouraging their growing imaginations.
The seemingly different worlds of modeling and acting are actually tightly connected. Actors often start their careers as models, and vice versa. And there’s obvious reasons for this. Actors must be comfortable in front of a camera (which can be trained and fostered as a model). And models need to be able to access and express a variety of emotions (which can be encouraged in acting classes). Not to mention the variety of job opportunities your child will be able to go after with this skill. So enroll your child in some acting classes, to help them develop some of the essential skills they need to excel in both fields.
A headshot is like a passport in the modeling community. You use them to book jobs, promote your image, and stay top-of-mind for many talent bookers. As the parent of a model, it is your responsibility to make sure that your kid has a decent, recent headshot. And since our children change so fast — especially when puberty steps into the picture — you’ll have to update these headshots at least once a year. Find a professional photographer who specializes in taking headshots of child models, and build a solid relationship with them.
Finally, one of the most important pieces of advice on entering the world of child modeling is to become an example of what you’d like to see in your kids. Our children learn by watching us, so make sure to always exude grace, manners, and poise during all your dealings and interactions as their representative. Always maintain your composure and treat everyone you come into contact with, with respect — and your children will learn to do the same. Even if you get frustrated from time to time, be sure to express yourself in an open, honest and controlled way, this will help your child feel like they have a stable guide by their side, no matter what.
We hope our list of tips will help you as you guide your little one through the beautiful world that is child modeling. If you have any questions, concerns or would simply like to find out more about the industry, feel free to contact the experts at Bensimon Models & Talent. Good luck!
