Would you let your child be a model?

[Strawberriesonasummersevening]

This week I was approached at the local
supermarket by a lady and asked if I wanted to put dd, almost 3 through for some modelling projects in the the capital (we live abroad)
She gave me her details and all is legitimate, and are well known and reputable, they had an advert scouting for child models for this campaign.
Spoke to friends and some of them have done similar or would be happy to, given the opportunity.
Aibu to feel weird about it? I’m not sure it makes me 100% comfortable or am I being too uptight and it’s just a bit of fun?
I don’t want DD’s worth to be based on looks, have to say, she is beautiful to me inside and out, for many different reasons, but she has quite a unique look (reddish hair and blue eyes) and I’m quite surprised they asked, as looking at their work, the child models have a different look.
She’s contacted me twice since, would you do it?

*They are well known

if they're legit, go for it

we had a chance to, decided against it

I wouldn't personally but I wouldn't judge someone who did. I would feel I was objectifying my child and wouldn't want to use her to make money. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

No

If they're legit I might do it with a kid of 3. Wouldn't do it with a pubescent girl. The modelling industry is a cesspit and there's enough pressure on women and girls over their looks without hothousing them with people like this.

I wouldn't. When he's older he can choose his own path but I wouldn't encourage my child into modelling, acting, singing or anything like that that attracts attention and puts pressure on their appearance.

Are you sure it's legit, not in a sinister way but a lot of these 'scouting' approaches tend to be a front for an ordinary photographic studio trying to drum up business, the way it tends to go is the 'scout' approaches you, says you/your child is beautiful and just the type they want for modelling, invite you for a 'free' trial day to take photos, then once photos are taken they try and sting you into paying extortionate prices for the pictures, saying you need them 'for your book', to be accepted onto the agency etc. You can say no but it can be a disappointing experience, if you do consider going for this then I'd def make sure this isn't that...

Otherwise if it truly is legit and your child is confident and outgoing I might let her do it a few times as it could be a fun experience and nice to have some pics to look back on, she's hopefully too little to feel any pressure or anything, but I certainly wouldn't be expecting it to be a long term thing or to make any money (the headline figures of what they get paid for a shoot sounds good but when you consider agency will take a cut plus you'll need to hang around entertaining your child all day and your time and travel expenses won't be reimbursed so if you work and would need to take time off to do it I wouldn't bother).

This is going to sound a bit extreme but:

How would you feel if a peadophile took the picture of your child and shared it with their circle, maybe making moderations to it so it looks more inappropriate?

Sadly this happens. Not just for child models but random children 'influencers' on social media and sometimes random pictures of children posted by their parents.

I worked in a children's toy shop once (a well know one.. think green logo) and had one childless man that always came in to get the latest catalogue. He openly told me it was to look at the pictures of children.

If you're not comfortable about it, that's your answer. Nearly 3 is an unusual age to be taken on by agencies as there are plenty of older children who are a similar height but with better understanding/compliance than most toddlers have.

One of my DCs did the occasional photoshoot and TV advert between the ages of 6 and 11. They've met some lovely people, visited places they wouldn't have otherwise, have lots of fabulous photos and thanks to one advert being renewed a couple of times, have quite a bit of money in the bank. DC is very aware that on occasions they've been picked because the casting director wants a particular look and they have it rather than because of who they are but that helps with the times they haven't been picked too as it's rarely anything personal and is about the overall vision for the shoot.

No I wouldn't. I once taught a little boy of 4 who was a model, he was adorable but no more or less so than the other children.

His attitude as a result of modeling however was shocking. He often used to come out with comments about how he didn't need to do X or Y because he was going to make all his money modelling and his sense of entitlement was off the scale.

I'm sure not all children who model are like this but I equally doubt he's alone in his attitude.

No.

I'd do it at that age and shove the money in a savings account. Dont make a big deal out of it.

At that age I would definitely go for it. Child modelling is really temporary - most kids are ‘retired’ by 6-9 so if you have the ability to save up 3 years worth of earnings for her it would be madness not to do it.

I would not

Not in a million years, nor for a million pounds. Exploitative and abusive.

I worked in a children's toy shop once (a well know one.. think green logo) and had one childless man that always came in to get the latest catalogue. He openly told me it was to look at the pictures of children.

Please tell me you reported him.

My dd's both did,from the age of 6 weeks. It was through a reputable agency and they worked for Next and Cosatto,amongst others.
However,when they got to about 3, they were expected to go to 'modelling classes'. The inference was that there would be no further work if they didn't. So we jacked it in. 3 year olds should be doing fun stuff,not learning how to walk on a catwalk,or posing IMO.
They did earn quite a bit during their short careers,it all went into savings for them for the future.

@maxelly It’s a proper company, well known etc, so that’s not the issue..I’m just not sure, I feel she doesn’t get a say yet and is that fair?
Money is a draw, as I’d put it into savings for her for the future, I’d love to be able to do that.

It does make me uncomfortable the images being out there,

@TheFnozwhowasmirage At 3, that’s awful 😞 I expect it will be some fun jumping around 🤷🏻‍♀️That’s why I’m wondering if im being a bit uptight

@Sparklingwine1 This does worry me

God no.

Modeling leads to vanity to narcissism to serious trouble. So many inappropriate situations could take place. No is a complete sentence.

I think most three year olds would be bored after five minutes and then it would be a bit of a nightmare. It wouldn't be a fun job for a young child posing under studio lights. Reminds me of reality shows where they use their kids as models - the parents are having to use so many bribes to get one more photo

No.