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If your young daughter has seen fashion models on TV and in movies, discovered that they have younger counterparts (boys and girls who model), and has expressed interest in becoming a child model herself, as a parent, it is your duty to show your utmost support.

Being a model is no small feat. As you probably know, it takes a lot of effort and dedication to work as a model, and if it can be stressful for adults, it can be the same for a child.

Once you’ve made certain that modeling is something that your young daughter truly wants to pursue, here’s what you can do to help her develop the right qualities for the task and cultivate her modeling talent.

1. Choose a modeling agency wisely

Do your research carefully when choosing a modeling agency for your child. This is to ensure that your daughter will be safe, her interests will be looked after, and all in all, she will have a great experience.

So aim to look for a reputable kids’ modelling agency that not only has an impressive portfolio, but has also demonstrated its credibility and upheld strict and proper standards in the field. Remember, a good modeling agency will do what is best for its young talents while prioritizing their needs and staying compliant with industry laws.

As a parent, watching over your child should be your priority. For safety, never leave your child alone with a photographer or an agent. Accompany your child at all times or assign someone you can trust to watch over her to make sure that her emotional and physical safety are protected during any modeling activity.

Don’t rush into signing a contract.

During the interview with an agency, don’t sign the contract right away; take time to read it thoroughly. A genuine agency will always make it a point to meet with you and your child in person, give you enough time to read all the paperwork, and answer any questions you may have so you can be assured that all relevant areas have been covered.

Steer clear of upfront charges.

If an agency charges you with fees for an interview or consultation, consider that a red flag. Never hand over cash at your first meeting with an agency since the initial encounter is meant to introduce you to the agency and its processes, and to let you know what can be expected from working with them.

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2. Build confidence

A good model knows her best angle and the best ways to use it to her advantage. For your child to be able to put her best foot forward, she needs confidence to shine through in front of a camera. When your child is certain of herself whenever she poses or walks, it will surely show in the runway and in photos.

Start building your child’s confidence through simple ways, such as assuming and maintaining proper posture. A head held high is a strong sign of a positive spirit and determination. Slouching, on the other hand, is a sign of a casual attitude, poor habits, and lack of attention.

3. Encourage good health

A good model should have a fit and healthy body so she can accomplish all the tasks she set out to do, including modeling. Encourage your child to eat healthy meals, get sufficient rest, and engage in physical activities to stay healthy and energetic.

With a strong and healthy body and mind, your daughter can put on any outfit with confidence and always look happy and vibrant in the way she carries herself.

4. Implement time management

While your child may have secured modeling work, she still has other responsibilities to take care of. An essential quality of a good model is being able to manage time wisely, so she should be able to balance her schoolwork, household chores, and modeling commitments. This way, she can become successful not just on the runway, but also in life.

Teach your child to effectively manage her time through these tips:

· Prioritize tasks wisely by having a to-do list and arrange the items in order based on how urgent and important they are.

· Learn to say no to requests or modeling projects that are beyond what your child can handle.

· Don’t jump into a work day without having any idea what needs to be done. Plan ahead for activities to have full control of time.

5. Learn to dress the part

Dressing the part is vital for anyone with a modeling job. Your young daughter must learn to develop good fashion sense and carry herself to present the clothes well.

Teach her to pair the right tops with the right bottoms, as well as the right clothes with the most appropriate footwear. Let her explore accessories that can add a special touch to an outfit. Help her see which colors work best for her. Also, make sure that your child practices good hygiene and knows how to keep her hair and nails clean and tidy at all times.

It’s all about being comfortable and presentable, dressing appropriately for the occasion, and bringing out your child’s personality and sense of style with the clothes she wears.

Above everything else, you need to ensure that your child enjoys being a model. As with most endeavors, it will be pointless to make an effort to develop the right qualities and go through the rigors of the profession if her heart and passion are not in modeling. As a parent, you must watch closely to see if your child is happy, eager to learn more and take on new challenges when modeling.

Developing a model’s qualities in a young child is easy as long as she is 100% on board. Find a good modeling agency that will support your child and refer to the methods above so you can guide your daughter as she explores the modeling world.

AUTHOR BIO

Jessicka Bell co-founded the AgenC, one of the leading model/talent agencies in the Middle East, in 2014. After just three years in the market, the AgenC now works with most (if not all) of the heavy hitters in media and fashion, as well as represents over 1,000 talents ranging from international models through to cast, kids, creatives and photographers.