[DivasMomma]

My DD was signed to an agency at 12 weeks old...we went on a lot of Go-Sees for print ads and commercials, but never really took it too seriously. My DH and I both did modeling as kids as well....both DD's have an appt on Sat. with an agent who can get them into big time roles. DD1 is 2 and will pretty much do whatever u ask of her...say what you want, make what face you want, stand how u want her too, sing, etc...so i think she is perfect for roles on TV, movies, etc....the baby is justs that, a baby, so she will pretty much just do what her sister did the past few years. My question is, with everything going on in all these young stars lives (Brit, LL, etc.) do you think this is wise on our part as parents? She loves to do it, but she is only 2 and doesnt really understand anyway...i dont want to feel like im pushing her into it, but when you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up shes either says " a cheerleader" or "On TV"....thoughts? Opinions?

[twinzplus3]

I would say go for it. You can use the $$ they earn to pay for college. I think like with all parenting things, the issue is boundaries. If it's too much, then you stop and it's your rules. KWIM?

[DivasMomma]

yeah i def feel that parents like the attention more then the kids...you see them out partying with their kids instead of having them concentrate on things kids need to concentrate on, like school and REAL friends, not hollywood ones! And, that is a good idea...college money...hmm

[pattiewrites]

I can understand your concerns. My 9 year old wants to be an actress, but I've told her to wait until she is older. The reason is the Brit, Lindsay, Paris's of the world. Not to mention all the stories of child actors gone bad that I've seen. Most child stars don't become adult stars and the ones that do seem to be a complete mess, so it seems like if she wants an adult career it may be best to wait. Anyway, that is my reason for putting the brakes on her ambition. She will do summer theater group this year. I do question the decision sometimes and wonder if I'm standing in the way of her dream, but it feels right for us. Mom was a child model and had a career for 19 years. She influenced my decision by telling me she had very little fun as a kid and feels she missed out on fun stuff for jobs. She advised against it as well, so that factored into our decision.

I think we may revisit it in a few years, but for now she is happy and not pushing too much. Once she did say, "Dakota Fanning's mom lets her do it!" People are constantly telling her she looks like Dakota. She had no clue who that was, since Fanning's movies aren't really what we call appropriate, but one day dh let her see a few minutes of War of the Worlds so she could see who all these strangers say she looks like.

[twinzplus3]

Yes. You'll find parents like that in any 'realm' (for lack of a better word). At sports practice there's always the parents who push their kids. even in hsing I find parents who play the, "my kid is more gifted than your kid" is. Or you have the parents who sign their kids up for stuff bc they themselves have some 'need' to see their kids in it. It happens everywhere. . .the difference is if your child really gets big jobs, your mess ups and theirs, are for the world to see--like Ms. Spears.

[twinzplus3]

My pat response to that is. . ."Yeah well Dakota's mom is soooooooo way cooler than I am."

[pattiewrites]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

My pat response to that is. . ."Yeah well Dakota's mom is soooooooo way cooler than I am."

Not to mention her daddy! Dh said there was no (bleeping) way his daughter would have been in some of those scary movies or movies she wouldn't be allowed to watch! He's so not cool too!

[twinzplus3]

Oh no doubt. . .the dad in this house is way NOT cool too!

[DivasMomma]

I feel some child actors DO in fact turn out OK tho....Leo DeCaprio being one of them...he stays out of the tabloids...Miley Sirius hasnt done anything...yet...her dad will keep her straight I believe....Im kinda on the side where if I see her starting to mess up ( i mean she IS only 2...no harm in letting her do things now) I can pull the plug, right? Te Olsen twins have pretty much done OK for themselves, other then eating disorder stint, which I believe any teen girl can go through famous or not....maybe i should just let her go for it, and like I said, keep on her about things KIDS do and pull the plug if I need too...

[mcmama]

You should go for it, and if it is too stressful, you can pull out.

I am in the NYC area, and know a number of child actors. It is a lot of pressure, and a lot of demand on the parents. So you really have to be in tune with your child, and be prepared to work your life around it - only to be called a "stage mom". But they sure do depend on you to make sure the child is healthy, happy, and present.