PAGEANTS

The true story of beauty pageants: the business, the competitor, and and the crown.

I realize that the pageantry world, children's pageants in particular, carries a certain stigma. However, when comparing competing in pageants to competing in sports, I have to ask, what the difference is.

Children pageants can be very costly. You should know in advance how much you should have to pay, as well as which costs are optional.

Pageants can cost a lot of money: There are two ways to raise money for pageants. You can solicit sponsors to pay for the entry fees for the main pageant and for the alternate competitions. You can also sell advertisements for the program book.

Ms. Maltese presents her argument on the downsides of pageants while not being negative. Though I read and understand her article, and will heed her advice, my daughter will still be participating.

Your guide to both natural and "glitz" pageants in the Kansas City area, including the official preliminary pageant to Miss America!

Brits are pointing an angry finger at American parents for championing child beauty pageants for little boys. When discussing the psychological effects of child beauty pageants, it is always assumed that only little girls are involved. Not anymore.

A commentary about teen beauty pageants, self-esteem, and the premature sexualisation of American girls.

Is it right for parents to put their daughters into beauty pageants where they can develop a negative self image that may lead to eating disorders and body distortions? Parents need to become aware of these risks and stop before it's too late.

Have you ever considered entering your daughter or son into a beauty pageant? Beauty pageants are popping up all over the country, both glitz and natural systems.

Pageant mothers know that many of the girls now competing in these state and national pageants are taking lessons from a pageant coach. These coaches are can be very expensive if you choose to go to one that is replicable, or you could just teach her yourself.

Beauty pageants were created nearly a century ago, when a woman was considered to be in her prime of beauty in her late teens and early 20's. Nowadays, women are admired for their beauty and worth well into their 30's- yet the pageant world hasn't caught up with the times.