child modelling as a way of raising money for school fees

[kirikou]

DC1 currently at selective independent although not a stellar one (so don't go thinking Eton etc.) and loving it. 40% of fees paid so we 'only' have to pay £7200 a year plus extras.

DC2 would love to go to this school. We are not 'rolling in it' (happy to post more details of finances if necessary) and I've read all the threads that say you shouldn't go fee paying unless you can comfortably afford it.

AIBU to think that modelling for DC2 might be a way of raising some much needed funds?

[lunar1]

I dont think you can send one to private and not the other. But why should dc2 in effect pay for their own schooling and not dc1?

[SavoyCabbage]

Yes. What if she doesn't make enough money to pay her school fees? The pressure!

It's just not a reliable way of earning money. If she wasn't a child, she would be better off getting a evening/weekend job as at least her earnings would be known in advance. As the money is already spent.

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

With all the will in the world it's a ridiculous idea. For a start, what makes you think your DC will earn enough in fees to pay for schooling.

Atually child modelling and private schooling for one DC and maybe not the other in one thread?? I smell a wind up!

[KenAdams]

People kept telling me to get DD into modelling so I looked into it. Upon reading "you are often called to castings on very short notice often in London and may be expected to wait for up to 8 hours to be seen" I decided she would be better spending her childhood playing than in nondescript corridors of buildings.

[meditrina]

Well, anything that boosts your income will help pay for the fees.

But of course, income from modelling isn't secure and often isn't that high either. And a child that has the right 'look' at one age may not stay that way.

And as shoots are in the working day, and are no respecters of school holidays, unless you have a very accommodating HT, you may have to deduct fines for unauthorised term-time absences from your figures. If you turn down bookings, they'll dry up rapidly.

[cozietoesie]

Unless your child is quite exceptionally attractive, photogenic and confident, you'll likely spend more money attempting to get modelling fees than you will receive from any fees themselves. I'd forget it.

[orangepudding]

YABU

If this is genuine your dd is unlikely to make enough to cover school fees even if she is a well used model. Also model work for kids dries up around age 9.

[cogitosum]

I don't really know anything about it but from what I've read here and random trashy magazines I don't think you tend to make much money with child modelling. It's more something that people do for fun and pride.

[Teeb]

Yabu. How old are your children? Did you plan on two? Unless there are some really exceptional circumstances then it's bloody cruel to send one child to private school and not the other.

On the point of child modelling then really you need to forget about it. I think it's a shady idea at the best of times, let alone putting a financial burden on a young child with it. What if she hated it and was uncomfortable? Totally irresponsible parenting. If you knew it would be right financially then you should have looked into getting your hands on more cash back when it was decided dc1 would be privately schooled, be that a 2nd job or advancing your careers.

[MarshaBrady]

I don't think it will work. Not secure, lots of effort ie castings for not great return.

[wigglybeezer]

My DS3 is filming a TV advert tomorrow, he is being paid £50, I don't think that would go far towards school fees. DS is planning to spend his wages on Lego.

[kirikou]

Betty, not a wind up honestly.

DC2 is going into Y5 and we have our sights set on a Grammar at 11 but obviously there are no guarantees. Have already lined up a middle school place but after a second visit I can tell that DC2 is 'uninspired'.

DC1 says that DC2 would love their Prep School which got me thinking. We could probably fund Y5 and Y6 but we would then need a contingency if the GS option wasn't realised.

[MarshaBrady]

£50! I did think it would be more than that.

[orangepudding]

KenAdams, I have waited at most an hour at a casting and only three times in 7 years but yes you will be expected to travel to London at short notice.

[Icelollycraving]

Didn't Sally Webster do this?!

[orangepudding]

Wiggly, I assume your child is going to be an extra. Commercials usually pay much better than that.

[kirikou]

cozie, 'Unless your child is quite exceptionally attractive, photogenic and confident,'

DC2 is.

The agency that I have sent photos to quotes net earnings of up to £110 per hour.

[EarlyInTheMorning]

Well we want to see a photo to really comment...

[cozietoesie]

Ho hum - and are they looking to charge you some upfront fees for photographs, registration etc?

Remember that once DC2 is on the books, they would sit back and take a fairly substantial slice of any wages. They're not the ones who might be hurting.

[orangepudding]

Kirikou, I don't know any child models who would be able to put themselves through private school. A small minority of stage school kids pay for their own school fees, they have the full support of school so can make every audition and take every job they were offered.

[ithaka]

Here is an idea - why don't you earn the money for your child's school instead of sending them out to work? T

[TheOneAndOnlyAllan]

"the agency" says "up to", eh? Is it a reputable agency?

[kirikou]

Teeb,we wouldn't mention the 'burden' and I really think DC2 would enjoy it. We have just discovered a 'talent' for drama in DC2 who is doing grade 3 acting after a term of lessons.

[notafan0fy00]

I might be wrong, but isn't it true that when children model, the money is not touchable by the parents (to avoid obvious pitfalls, like parents using their kids to make money)?

Also, unless you're going to pull your DC out of said expensive private school to whisk them off to auditions, most of which she won't get and will leave her feeling that she's not pretty enough, then don't do it.

You shouldn't have sent your first child to private school if you can't afford both, to be honest. You must have seen this coming.

And no, your DC2 is just a normal looking kid - you've got mummy goggles on. We all have.

[orangepudding]

Which agent says clients pay £110 ph? My kids are with a 'top' agent and they don't pay that much.