Has anyone gone the papers?

[Neweternal]

I'm interested in what people's stories are. I've been offered a little money about a story it involves my son. He has a recognised talent, he also has a disability which has hindered opportunities for him. I'm conflicted my 11 year old son is keen to be in the newspaper whereas I feel he is too young to make that judgement. My reasons for wanting to go public is to raise awareness and support in general. What's your experience of going public and what would you do?

With the very greatest of respect, unless you are fundraising OR in need of prompt assistance regarding DS and the managing/progression of his talent I would not.

The thing is is that it’s a risk to HIS privacy and a risk to making HIM a target.

Personally, I completely believe your motivations are genuine - I am terribly suspicious of the term “raising awareness” though - but think about the impact this could have both positive and negative.

@PaulHollywoodsSexGut Very wise words. This is how I how been leaning for the past 2 years. However my gut tells me this is the right thing to do as we have been bullied by an organisation. Has anyone got any personal experience was it positive?

I'd say it depends on the paper.

I was in the press (papers and magazines) when younger as a sportsperson. Nothing remotely controversial. Why not.

Your child wants to be in the paper. Has a talent and his disability is working for him as it makes the story more interesting.

Again, why not. More power to him.

You aren't doing a sad face article or writing to the Guardian to moan about vegan sausages. I can't imagine any potential issue.

Is the money going toward his "talent"? Sounds even better.

My youngest was in the papers on Monday because of winning a sports competition. Is semi-regularly. Don't see why your son couldn’t be the same just because he is disabled. It's normal for a lot of sports, especially if they have a young age of commitment. We don't get paid though, it's just a report of the competition in general with DD occasionally giving a comment, so I'm jealous on that front.