I knew nothing about these types of pageants, but once when my daughter was about 7, saw an ad for a local one and got the idea it would be fun to have my child participate. The rules stated “NO MAKEUP….little girls should look like little girls”. Ok, so we didn’t do makeup. We had a pretty dress, but not fancier than a dress you might wear as a wedding guest or to a church service at Easter. My daughter was the ONLY girl WITHOUT makeup and without a “ballgown” type of dress and professional hair styling. It was glaringly shocking and disturbing (to me), how SEXUALIZED these little girls were. I regretted doing it and realized I had been naive as to what these contests entailed. That was the first and last time we did it. She began skating lessons shortly after and enjoyed participating in SPORTS competitions instead! Much healthier! I still can’t believe how naive I was…but that was about 35 years ago.
Baarorso about 4 years ago
Makes you wonder if such competitions are more for the parent than they are for the child. :/
Say What Now‽ Premium Member about 4 years ago
Not to mention that you are verging on child abuse.
gopher gofer about 4 years ago
‘shallowship’…? if they form a circle is it the shallowship of the ring…?
dlkrueger33 about 4 years ago
I knew nothing about these types of pageants, but once when my daughter was about 7, saw an ad for a local one and got the idea it would be fun to have my child participate. The rules stated “NO MAKEUP….little girls should look like little girls”. Ok, so we didn’t do makeup. We had a pretty dress, but not fancier than a dress you might wear as a wedding guest or to a church service at Easter. My daughter was the ONLY girl WITHOUT makeup and without a “ballgown” type of dress and professional hair styling. It was glaringly shocking and disturbing (to me), how SEXUALIZED these little girls were. I regretted doing it and realized I had been naive as to what these contests entailed. That was the first and last time we did it. She began skating lessons shortly after and enjoyed participating in SPORTS competitions instead! Much healthier! I still can’t believe how naive I was…but that was about 35 years ago.
Michael G. about 4 years ago
Aww, geez, Honey!
Zebrastripes about 4 years ago
Kids learn what they live and live what they learn…..
WCraft Premium Member about 4 years ago
…in conclusion: everyone gets an award!
mistercatworks about 4 years ago
What are these people thinking? “Let’s objectify our child before she’s old enough to know better.”?
Laurie Stoker Premium Member about 4 years ago
True that! Pageant mothers …