All child models need their parents consent to take part in a photoshoot or fashion show. It is a necessity to keep children safe in a competitive sometimes ruthless industry. Therefore, parents have a huge role to play. If you are contacted or approached by a company that claims you do not require your parents approval, make sure that you cut all correspondence straight away.

Why Do I Need My Parents Approval to Model?

In an industry that attracts scam artists, children and teens need to be kept safe. With the wisdom, experience and maternal/paternal instinct parents are certainly qualified for the job. The modelling industry wants to keep children safe and the best way to do this is to have parents and family members on board at each stage.

Child models are aged between 3-12 and are too young to make decisions for themselves. Therefore, until they are aged 18, young models need a parent to sign off on all contracts and modelling jobs. Seeking approval keeps young children of high school age and under away from harm and the parents involved at each stage. You can not represent your child’s best friend only your son or daughter.

Role of Parents in a Child Models Life

A lot of the decisions are down to the parents and what they deem suitable life choices for their child or teen. Therefore, your mum and dad are actively involved in your modelling career. Take a look at what is involved and how your day-to-day will change.

• Contacting modelling agencies to get your child signed to a reputable company.
• Researching each agency to ensure they are suitable to represent your child. It is important that the chosen company is trustworthy and legit.
• Understanding each aspect of the contract that you are about to sign.
• Negotiating deals with the agency and clients to ensure that your child is paid fairly.
• Accompanying your child to the shoot or show each and every time. Your presence will make them feel secure and safe allowing them to perform much better. It is also a requirement in the industry as you are responsible for your child. You may be offered roles in New York or California for example. Make sure that you are able to commit to this time away from work before accepting.
• Make sure that your son and daughter is in the right place at the right time.
• Your child is happy and understands what they have to do on the job.
• Be positive, enthusiastic and encouraging. Do not be too critical of them. A teens self-esteem may be quite low. Therefore, supportive parents who focus on the positives will help massively.
• Make sure that the modelling role does not affect their education. It is important that they don’t miss too much of school. If the role does take place in term time it is important that you get permission from the head teacher.
• Ensure that your child gets enough rest, eats well and not overworked. Keep the modelling work as a hobby until they are old enough to pursue it full time.
• Keep your kid up to date at every stage to ensure that your parent-child relationship does not become fraught. You will spend a lot of time together and there is bound to be arguments. Letting go of petty disagreements is vital.

What If They Say No

Unfortunately, if your parents are against the idea of you modelling, it will prevent you from starting your career. It might be worthwhile having a conversation with your mum and dad about their reasons why they are uncertain about your career choice.

Show them you are serious about modelling by doing research and providing facts. A chat might change their mind or at least think about it. It could be due to your safety, money or time so a calm chat may be very beneficial. Do not get angry or have a tantrum, as this will make matters worse. If they stick to their ground, use this time wisely by practicing posing (set up a mock photoshoot), saving pocket money for a portfolio and gaining experience with friends.

Under no circumstances should you go ahead with your dream regardless as this could be extremely dangerous. As we previously mentioned companies or agencies that will work with you without your parents approval are to be avoided. They are not working to the rules of the industry and are most likely predators trying to get money from you or inappropriate pictures. If you are contacted on social media please ignore their messages.

What to Do If You Have Pushy Parents

On the other side, are parents who push their children too much, living their dreams through their son or daughter. If you are finding it too pressurising you need to speak to your mum and dad to explain your feelings. They may be unaware of how you feel and apologise for booking too many jobs leaving you exhausted or getting angry if you do something slightly wrong. There is nothing worse than having an argument with your parents yet if they do not listen you will have to simply refuse to do certain jobs.

Child modelling is a partnership with both you and your parent. Each side should be happy with how the journey is going and both consulted on what is happening next. Explain to your mum and dad, it’s not that you don’t want to model yet you would like to cut back so you have time to study and see friends. A good work ethic and dedication is needed to succeed in the industry but there is a limit. Young models should only work a set amount of hours a week to avoid exhaustion and fatigue. It can be a lot to juggle with school to concentrate on too.

To Sign or Not to Sign?

If you are unsure whether to sign a contract or not, it is best to give yourself more time. Entering a new industry with little knowledge or experience in the modelling world it is important to not panic and sign. There may be hidden clauses that you didn’t pick up on or jargon that you don’t understand. Never feel pressured to put your child at risk. Get a second or third opinion and seek professional advice. They will be able to point out things that you didn’t think of or clear up your worries.

Legal jargon can be difficult to understand so it is important that you get it cleared up before signing on the dotted line. Keeping your child safe is your number one priority. Therefore, understanding the jargon is your top priority. Do not be persuaded otherwise. There are many con artists who may try to convince you but trust your instincts and legal advice.