Why My Child is Participating in Pageants

Having entered my daughter in her first pageant recently and being in the process of the second, I have to say that the article entitled "Things to Consider about Participating in Pageants" by Racheline Maltese is not only true, but also still very relevant. Ms. Maltese presents her argument on the downsides of pageants while not being negative. These are the marks of a true queen. Though I read and understand her article, and will heed her advice, my daughter will still be participating. One of the reasons is I would love my child to be as eloquent, well spoken (written), and positive even when dealing with negativity. I believe Ms Racheline Maltese's experience in pageants has taught her to be so positive and cultured.

I will not let my child enter just any pageant. I understand the danger of dressing a child inappropriately. Jon Benet Ramsey was murdered the year after my daughter was born. The pageant we chose is and has always been age appropriate with NO makeup before the Jr. Teen level. Even at that point and beyond, it must still be appropriate.

Yes, pageants are an expensive hobby. I think it is cool that you get to raise money to pay for them. Already, we (both my child and I) have learned to ask for donation and to sell advertising and tickets. Previously, we could care less about selling anything at all. (Keep in mind that the reason my daughter was invited to the National Pageants was that she sold the most tickets.) With her long-term goal being an entrepreneur and millionaire by 21, these skills will definitely get her started on her way.

I had to stop and ask myself, for whom am I doing this. I am a competitive person, especially when it comes to measuring my child's successes. I expect a lot from my kids and I want them to expect a lot from themselves as well. In the end, I know it is her decision because I have been holding her back from entering casting calls and such since she was 5. This is as much exposure as I am willing to let her have right no. That is not to say I am right behind her rooting her on.

As a homeschooler, I also thought that pageants would give her more interaction time with kids of her own age group as well as the change to communicate effectively with adults. She is hardly a wallflower, but she does clam up from time to time.

Seeing her not win is very hard… on me. She repeatedly reminds me that her chances are slim. We were both completely floored when she got a large trophy and invitation to nationals for sales. I just assumed that a parent with lots of money would just buy a block of tickets and walk away with that one. Fortunately, it did not happen that way. While she wants to do pageants to practice for commercials and things of that sort, we realize that the pageants are no guarantee of a clear path. There will be lots of work involved if she continues to take that next and subsequent step.

When I say lots of work, I mean lots of work. It took a full week to recover from the three-day pageant my daughter was in. Next time I know I need to rest in advance as well.

I am so grateful that someone who has previously participated in pageants has written about it and given excellent advice. I hope my story helps someone as well.