Model Search

A few months ago I saw an ad for a child model search that was going to be conducted at a local mall. Like most mothers, I think my daughter is cute so I considered taking her to check it out. In order to participate, you had to pay a fee ($35 pre-registration...$45 the day of the event). I figured, since the proceeds were going to a local children's hospital, it was worth it. A week ago I asked her what she thought about having her picture taken by some photographers. She lit up and said, 'Yeah, mama...I want to take a picture.' I thought to myself...hmmm...maybe she would enjoy the experience. I still had mixed emotions--not wanting her to put so much stock in appearances, but yet, I had a bit of hope that she could be 'discovered.' I hate even admitting that 'out loud' because it seems so artificial and presumptuous. Anyway, again I asked her Friday night what she thought about the idea, and once again she seemed excited. I told Papa SB that I would wait until the morning to see if Lil' SB was in a good mood, and he agreed. Well, yesterday morning Lil' SB was in a great mood. I fixed a hardy breakfast for the three of us (scrambled eggs w/ cheese, raisin toast (Lil' SB's favorite) & turkey bacon..Yum-O), and while we were eating I asked once again. 'Sweetie, would you like to go talk to some people and have your picture taken?'---'Yes, mama...I'm gonna have my picture taken!' So, I knew we would go for it. I decided not to doll her up because I figured the 'competition' would do that. I went for the understated elements...khaki bermuda shorts (the only shorts she'll wear these days), a multi-colored floral print shirt & her new white leather Keds. She loves jewelry so I placed her cross necklace around her neck & her silver cuff bracelet around her wrist--Lil' SB squealed w/ delight. With several books in hand (book junkie she is), we were off to the mall. Now, I knew it would be crowded, and I had already decided that I would not 'torture' her if there weren't activities for her to do along the way in line (which the website claimed---'lots of games and activities for the children'). We arrived to a sea of over sized brightly colored bows, 'fufu' dresses, coiffed 'dos & finely manicured tots. I looked around for the games and activities---no such luck. It turned out that the tables were set up by local businesses pushing their wares. What a disappointment. I walked around to the registration table where I politely asked the woman in front of me if I was in the right place. I was met with quite a snotty attitude that I was immediately turned off by the whole experience. Amidst the mobs of serious parents, restless preschoolers & bored teenagers, Lil' SB was dancing along behind me (in her own world as usual). I looked at her and instantly knew she didn't deserve to be suffocated by this good idea gone wrong. That's when I said...come on, let's go to the playground...she immediately jumped for joy & led the way. Doubt I'll ever think about participating in this type of event again, but I know one day she will be 'discovered'---it may not be modeling, but she will definitely leave her mark in this world.