Are Beauty Pageants Good or Bad for Your Teen?

Do you have a teenage daughter? Does she tell you that she wants to participate in a beauty pageant? Is she waiting for your permission now? Of course your first reaction is not positive, but you need to consider it longer because beauty pageants are not necessarily a bad thing.

As with everything, there are some good and bad sides to it. Keep that in mind when your teenage daughter wants your permission to take part in one or in a series of them. You have to realize that this is something your teenager really wants to do, especially since she is the instigator in the query.

The potential outcome of the beauty contest can be a positive side that you need to evaluate. Often cash and even scholarships are involved rather than just ribbons or trophies. That is a potential benefit if she desires acquiring an income of her own or if big expenses like paying for college are on the horizon. It might very well be a feasible way for her to get the finances for goals that seem to be out of reach because of the financial downside.

Of course there are more things to consider when it comes to participating beauty contests and not all of these things sound so positive. Some of these issues do not bring in as much weight when you are only considering permission for a local event. Participating in beauty pageants can be very labor intensive. For some families it is just the natural thing to do though and they often schedule participation in many beauty pageants nationwide. Taking part in beauty pageants can put a financial and emotional strain on the whole family. Do not underestimate the stress factor either.

The potential outcome and its effects might be another issue to consider. Beauty contests often carry a label. Many are convinced that to participate in beauty contests you have to look anorexic or look like a goddess. The fashion industry and many judges who are involved are responsible for putting this label on these events. Consider these issues before you make your decision. Although participating is not limited by looks, realize that the consequences of not feeling pretty or good enough can be devastating to the emotional stability of your teen.

To start participating in beauty pageants when you are already a teenager is also a potential disadvantage. Many beauty queens start their "careers" at a very young age so just jumping is not an easy thing to do. That does not exclude late starters from ranking high or even surprise everybody and win. It comes however to the point that they and you will a lot to work on.