Kids in the Business

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We receive a lot of e-mails from parents about how to get their kids into show business. The information you will find on the site will help to guide you through getting an agent, how to market the child, how to put together a resume, etc. For our purposes in this edition, let’s talk about the fact that these are our children and the simple yet sometimes overlooked fact that kids are people too!

Oftentimes children become actors because someone takes a look at your child and says, "She is so pretty. You should get her in commercials." While this is sweet and very good for a parent’s ego, it may not be the best thing for the child. Let’s say that you agree and begin to pursue the idea. Be honest with yourself. How many people ask their children if they want to be in commercials? Even if you do, do you think the child really understands what is involved? Let’s talk about some of those things.

Does the child or you know that there may situations where the child has to work outside under hot lights in the middle of summer? The child may have to work in studios with hot lights and it can become really hot. The child may have to spend lots of time studying and memorizing lines while the other kids are out playing. If the child becomes a big money maker, you might become over protective because the child will be more than just your child, but your source of income.

Be sure that you don’t enter or continue in this business because you are trying to live up to other people’s expectations. Once you get your child started in the business, constantly monitor how the child responds to auditions and actual jobs. Is she/he still interested or do they cry before going. Do they ask if they can just stay home or go out and play? Listen to your child and do what is best for the child.

This also means that if your child loves the business and can’t wait to get in front of that camera, nurture their career and try to find a happy medium between being a working actor and a child that needs to have friends and play from time to time. If your child grows up to be a huge star and enjoys a great career…wonderful! If your child grows up to have lots of fame and fortune, but suffers from emotional problems and feels robbed of a childhood, who will be to blame? These are things that you need to consider. This can be a great move for you and your child, just pay attention to the child and don’t become side-tracked by the money and stardom of the business.