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?

Why is a prep school needed for 11+.

If they are capable anyway they just need sue home tuition and nearer the time professional tuition.

Yabu.

No agency can guarantee work. Your child is very unlikely to make that much money in a year - given they will only be available for weekends. Where does this leave your other child (even if you could get dc2 fully booked every weekend which is unlikely)?

Good stuff OP. I think we've all been there. I know that I was once very attached to the idea of wind turbines, solar panels and Gloucester Old Spot pigs. Ah heady, dreamy days.

hmm dione bit like my homegrown veg and jam making - I eventually chucked all the jars out

OP, you use 'quote marks' far, far too often and it is stressing my head. YABU.

I can tell you a bit about modelling. My Ds has done a few jobs. The pay (so far) has been very good, he has been known to have earned more in one day than I earn in a month (I work 27 hours a week). Circa £500+ a day upwards is the usual, he once got £1000 for 10am till 4pm. Hourly work is usually well paid. It seems that the more "high street" the job the better it pays, BHS for example pay better than Boden.

You do have to be prepared to go for castings at the last minute, 48-24 hours notice usually. Never queued up for 8 hours though!!!!! At worst I think we have waited 40 mins. Usually a casting is in and out in 20 mins.

Remember any agency will take at least 25% fees, plus all this rubbish about never pay up front for photos etc is crap. the agency have to cover their costs so yes reputable agencies do charge for profiles and usually a joining fee too, quite normal practice.

The agencies that me and the people I have met along the way use are kids london, bizzykids, grace and galour, alphabet kids, scallywags and urban angels.

My DS's fees go into his university fund after a quick shop at the lego shop.

One thing that strikes me reading this thread is how much we all view our children through rose coloured glasses. The OP thinks her DS has a charming and witty personality and probably has a certain spark that will get him a lucky break in modelling ... How many of us deep down believe the same about our own children?

I remember years ago a mum of my son's friend told me she was thinking about looking into modelling for her son because he was so good looking. He was a slightly odd looking kid and definitely not remarkable but to her he was gorgeous. And rightly so. Doesn't mean we are objectively right though!

The problem with this method of earning money (assuming that he did indeed earn money) is that it directly defeats the object: you want him to attend a better school, so you are going to take him out of school to earn money

If your prime goal is his education, surely your first object should be to keep him in school, not gadding about to auditions.

lucjam, I'm pleased your son as had some success and that you've managed to put some money away for his education. How old is he?

Jayne, of course we all think our children are lovely but when people comment again and again on certain aspects of your DC, that encourages you to look at them a bit more objectively.

I have sent lots of speculative emails today to model and casting agents, we'll see what comes of it.

kiri he is just about to turn 7

My DD is told at least once a week that she model.

What puts me off is that one of my DCs is going to be considerably better off than the other two. I'm worried it could cause inequality and resentment in the future.

Why should one of your DCs work for their education and the other be funded by their parents?

She should model I meant

YANBU, I would if it gives you and DC2 a better life, why not?.

Ridiculous idea and one that will cause much angst between siblings. Imagine knowing your parents are very happy to pay for your siblings provate education but you only get the same if you earn the money to pay for it.

Sending one private without the means to send the others was madness in the first place.