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?

I expect it will be some fun jumping around

I don't know if it was the same for the 3 year olds but the 4 year old I mentioned above his mum was often complaining calls were last minute and there was a lot of waiting around which didn't sound like a fun way for a child to spend the day.

Although obviously it may differ depending on location or the type of job.

Absolutely not. Can’t think of anything worse as a life lesson than teaching a child to obsess over their looks.

Are you sure she is actually affiliated with this company and not just purporting to be?

Either way, I don’t think I’d go for it.

@aiwblam Yes 100% I checked it all out thoroughly, there’s no way I’d even consider without doing that.

I probably wouldn’t but I don’t think my children’s personalities are suited to modelling. Given your description of your daughter though (red hair, blue eyes) I can understand why they’ve approached you. Red hair is becoming more and more unusual apparently. I knew a lady who had 2 little boys who earned a shedload in a short space of time from modelling due to their very mixed ethnicity- and being absolutely gorgeous obviously. Their mother was approached on holiday somewhere. She put the money they earned into savings accounts and the boys stopped when they got bored of it all.

My ds did this from a similar age. It was fine, great agency and absolutely no problems whatsoever. He’s earth a decent sun for when he’s older. Did a couple of adverts and catalogues etc

It was very last minute at times, and ugh castings and shoots, but I was only working part time so it was doable. I was lucky thT he enjoyed it, loved the attention and it was really well organised.

He doesn’t do anything now as a lanky teenager but I certainly have no regrets. He loves telling people he modelled for Ralph Lauren

Make easy money for your daughter!

Well in that case you should probably listen to your instincts, if you really wanted to then I don't think it would do any harm but I doubt she'd miss out on a lot of money or much fun - even the most successful child models wouldn't make a huge relative to the amount of time it takes up (there are too many kids willing/able to do it to make pay rates hugely high) and as others have said the fun part of getting their picture taken is only a short time and there'd be a lot of hanging around/boring stuff before you get to that point...

We did. My dd was 3 also. She loved it. Lots of people fussing her, and she’s always loved dressing up so I kind of fitted with her personality tbh.
She got to keep some clothes and also got vouchers for more. There was no monetary gain but she got to pick what she liked to wear with her vouchers.
We would’ve stopped if her personality was different/ she didn’t enjoy dressing up

No I wouldn't. I have a DD a similar age to yours but she hates having her hair done and gets changed, or not, according to her whims. She'd hate being mauled around and having her hair done and asked to stand still etc.

I was offered a modelling opportunity for DD when she was a toddler. I said no, mainly because I didn't think she had the right temperament, but also because as a single parent who worked full time it simply wasn't an option for me to take her.

No, my children are terrible at taking direction.

I wouldn't. I don't like the idea of my son's imagine being out there, marketing something. But I very rarely post pictures of him on Facebook and don't never allow business (e.g. baby sensory or nursery) to put pics of him on their websites/FB pages.

No. Not under any circumstances.

No

As long as you’re not being asked to outlay any money. If you are, they’re not a proper agency.

They prey on parents and flatter them into spending money. But you seem pretty sure…

I wouldn’t because I wouldn’t like strangers commenting on her looks, especially online where people can be quite cruel. I also wouldn’t like the idea that there will probably be someone somewhere who uses the pictures inappropriately.

I've taught two child models, both seemed very unhappy. One thought she was pregnant - in year 7 - and was then taken out the school by her parents, so if worry what damage it would do to their mental health

All three of mine did it.
Never a problem. They made some cash and enjoyed a different experience.

I was approached in Covent Garden for my youngest DD, when she was a year old. I thanked her and said no.

I vaguely know someone whose child does modelling. Child crops up wearing clothes on major websites. Child is sweet enough, but does talk about it a lot, and they take it out of school to do it (which would be a no for me).

I’m willing to accept that we are quite different to that family, and this is something they have actively sought out since child was a baby. My child now picks up on the fact that child is a model and earns money and wants to do the same which is quite awkward because I have to tread delicately in what I do say about the modelling despite having quite strong feelings myself.

For me it’s quite simple: I do not own my child’s identity/image and child is not old enough to consent.

Absolutely not

I probably wouldn’t as it would be a lot of waiting around.

In terms of savings what is likely?

Nope.

I’d probably try it once and see what the day was like. If she enjoys it then it could be fun and a way to put some savings aside for her. If it’s a long, boring day with lots of sitting around, or if she just didn’t like it, then you can leave it and not bother again.