Child modeling ...

.. thoughts?

While back I was confrounted by a store asking if my daughter had even done modeling and or if I would or have giving it any thought .. which of course I hadn't given it much thought and what thoughtsI did spare on the subject were not very high to begin with.

Today we went to a fantasy photo shoot in Lakenheath and they did her hair (which in itself is short of a miricale since she screams if I even get remotely close to her with a brush lol) added a bit of blush and lipgloss, then threw her in this beautiful fairy looking dress with some wings. Once they started shooting within minutes there was a huge crowd around watching her. Every face in the crowd adorned with huge cheesy goofy smiles. The faint chatter of the "omg how cute, shes so adorable" etc etc soon filled the air. As soon as the photographer told her to change sides, bigger or smaller smiles, poses she jumped to it without question. The entire time the photographed praised her on how much of a natural she was, that she was one of , if not the best subject shes worked with in her life.

Once she was done shooting the bazillion shots (about 2 hours later) and poses we went into the changing room and Jewel looks up to me and says "that is the most fun thing I have ever done in my life" ... then closes the door then opens it back up and peeks back around at me and adds "EV - ERRR!" lol

I have to admit shes did seem extremely happy, shes always been a ham though lol But the chick shouting orders at her I was expecting attitude but it wasn't there at all. She even had her lay on the ground on her tummy with the legs crossed . After about 10 min the told her to get up and Jewels like "whew thanks, that thing was seriously hurting my tummy." She had laid on one of the fake flowers and was poking her but from her expression you would have never known. lol The photographer leans over and says to me "see.. I never knew she was in any pain. I am sorry I do apologize for that but, that is a true sign of a professional.. you sure shes never done modeling before?" lol

Now Jewel keeps bugging me about contacting the other people about getting into modeling. I told her its a very big grown up decision , that I can not fully make for her. I feel if she is happy doing it then maybe we will think about it. But the first time she (and or I) are uncomfortable and unhappy then she will not work with said person(s) again and if it don't interfere with her learning etc. I'm not sure at 8 , after watching all these crazy mom shows about child models/pagents I feel very uncomfortable with it all still. lol I am no where crazy like those moms tho .. thank gods. If shes not happy then I won't make her do it period. Any mother that does that to their kids risks long term mental issues..and should be drug out into the street and beat with a makeup bag full of rocks :( ... I got enough of my own I don't want my daughter in the same boat ya know? :/ ... still undecided on where I stand.. I'm going to give her a couple weeks and she if she is still interested in it all then maybe talk about it some more. Would be nice start for collage fund atleast I guess =x