[JessiDev]

I just submitted my 2 year old girl to an online pageant I stumbled - Link removed by moderator - and am now wondering if it was immoral. A lot of people think its wrong to exploit your kid like that... What do you think?

[vanaden]

I personally don't agree with doing this for my family,i would say no way. We are also in church so I guess that's why I have strong opinions about junk like this.

But I guess it really depends on what type of program it is. If it's these digusting pageants where they are pasting little innocent girls with make up and adult clothing, I think that is absolutley horrid. People wonder why they are evil people out there who go after our kids, all the while they are putting them in clothing that an adult shouldn't wear, let alone a child.
I also believe that putting them in these contests puts them up against many personal and moral issues to come...like "wow I'm not as pretty as her", "I'm not as skinny as her" "blah blahblah. It's a flashing neon sign that says "free torture here!"
Why put your child up against all this junk ? For what? Is it worth it to exchange their self worth for a thropy???

[DivasMomma]

I am all for it.

My oldest daughter LOVES doing the pagaents and such, she just loves being in front of a crowd.

Would I enter her into a competition where they need fake teeth, hair, and a pound of makeup? no way. I dont feel my daughter needs any of it.

If she tells me in a few years she doesnt want to do it, then thats fine. But for now we have a blast!

[ahermitt]

At two years old, this is more for your enjoyment than hers. Since it is only on the internet, she won't even be aware of it or have to deal with dressing up and modeling. As long as you don't have too much personal information online I guess it is OK. After all, how many parents on this site have thier kids photos posted?

As far as competing live in a pageant, I think age 2 is too young.... It is my personal opinion that the child should be old enough to ask to participate. Mine started asking at 5 when she saw a pageant on TV. At 9 we went to a live pageant a family friend was in and she was hooked. I have let her compete once or twice a year since. The key is to not go overboard.

Plus, I agree with the others on age appropriateness. No fake teeth, fake hair, makeup, and bathing suits.

[etali]

I don't think there's anything wrong with taking a snap for an online pageant. I do disagree with pressuring kids into losing weight, sitting for ages to get their hair done a certain way, get plastered with makeup and never smear it, or whatever.

I hate the ones where the kids have to sing / dance / look pretty all at the same time at a very young age. If a kid WANTS to do that kind of thing, fine, but to me as an outsider I wonder if they really WANT to, or if they get forced to practice and train.