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Entering a Non-Internet Baby Pageant
by Shauna Smith Duty
Personality is a major factor in cute babies, and Internet baby pageants, or photo contests, don’t allow children’s personalities to shine. Non-Internet pageants, however offer the old-fashioned face-to-face approach. Judges not only see the contestants, but they also experience the joy of coming into personal contact with the whole package—shimmering smile, rosy cheeks, adorable outfits, and the magic that makes that makes each child unique, personality.
How to Find Reputable Local Pageants
Single parent and pageant mom Lauren Fraser has first-hand experience with non-Internet contests. Her daughter enjoys pageantry as a hobby. Fraser believes, “The best way to find pageants in general is by looking online, becoming a member of various Yahoo! Groups, and searching on Voy boards (www.voy.com).” These networks will help you find pageants in your state, but whether they are reputable or not will be your call. “It is getting more and more difficult to determine whether a system is good. Mostly, unfortunately, you learn by trial and error,” says Fraser.
Networking with other parents who have been involved in pageantry can help. “Be prepared to deal with some parents that aren’t willing to help,” warns Fraser. “We were lucky enough to get in with a group of parents that were willing to offer friendly advice, but most of our experiences have been trial and error.”
Costs
There are no regulations for pageants, so not all are legitimate, and some are not judged fairly. Review contest entry forms thoroughly and if you have questions, ask them. If you feel uneasy with the answers, you should probably shy away from the contest. Fraser offers advice: “Check to be certain that the prizes match the fees you’re paying. If a pageant is giving cash or savings bonds, read the fine print. If the director reserves the right to prorate these prizes, ask for the conditions. Pageants that offer big cash prizes will require a minimum number of contestants, which is understandable.” She also recommends parents post questions at Yahoo! Groups prior to entering a pageant. Learn from the experiences of others.
Pageant clothing can get expensive, too, so make sure your investment is wise. “Check Voy boards and eBay for the latest trends in pageant clothing,” Fraser says. Don’t believe that a particular designer or photographer is necessary for your child’s success. As a single mother, Fraser knows first-hand that pageantry can become an expensive hobby. She and her daughter are proof that you don’t have to buy the most expensive clothing or hire the priciest photographer to win. “Don’t be afraid to pick a designer or design that fits your budget and your child’s personality. Ultimately, the experience will be happier for you and your child.”
Bottom Line
Fraser prefers to enter contests in which each contestant leaves with a prize, be it a stuffed animal, a small tiara, or toy. “Don’t invest so much money that you are upset with the outcome, regardless of what it is,” Fraser says. Not all pageant parents display good sportsmanship. On these occasions, Fraser tries to give the disgruntled parents space and explains to her daughter that pageantry, for them, is all about fun.
Comments
CAV_Mod |
Mon, Apr 03, 2006 10:45am
Do you insight or advice for parents looking for non-Internet baby pageants? Where should parents look for credible pageants? What's the investment cost, ie, clothing, travel, expenses, etc... for getting your child involved in pageants? What's the upside? What's the best thing that your child gains from being involved? |
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remolori1883 |
Wed, Oct 24, 2007 1:10pm
if anyone is interested I find this Youth Talent Connection , the address is ATT: New Talent. 17332 Irvine Blvd ,# 230 Tustin , C.A. 92780
Tel:714-505-3658
u will need to send them 3-5 snapshots of your child in the back of the pics D.O.B. baby name parents name , and phone number. I did send them pics waiting for them to respond .Good Luck ! |
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MeKenzie |
Sun, Jul 15, 2007 10:34pm
Speaking form experience. Some pageants are wonderful to do . There are a few out there, you just have to find the one you like. Then there are some i would never do again. Voy boards are helpful in finding out what pageants are around you but they can also be very mean . My advice is to find a friend to do pageants with that you can really trust. |
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arabella |
Wed, May 03, 2006 5:23pm
I am of the opinion that pageants are a shameless bragging contest for parents that need attention and something to do.
For those that disagree feel free, I am a highly educated woman in the field of psychology and I happen to have opinions that I have formed over the course of many years that will not change.
My suggestion is to buy your kids some books, paints, and a globe. Let them spend some time learning and growing during the years that really count! |
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