Would you let your daughter model?

Question

I'm 5'9 my husband is 6'0 and our sixteen year old is 5'7 she has always been interested n modeling and most all things that deal with beauty such as pageants. Now she wants to model. I have told her no in the past and so has her father. All because in my job I work with models daily and I know how it takes a toll on their self esteem, weight, and over all health. Now that she is 16 I have talked with my husband about it and we think she would be able to handel it. Would you wait until she is older so that she does not have to have your permission to model or would you let her now?

Answer 1

If your daughter is set on becoming a model anyway, it would be better to do so at 16 when you or her father need to be with her, sign any contracts, model release forms, etc so you know exactly what she is getting into. Once she is 18 she doesn't need any parental permission and who knows what sort of scams she will sign up for because of her youth and inexperience. It's the 18 year olds on their own for the first time who are most likely to be taken advantage of by scam agencies, perverts, fake photographers who are actually pornographers, etc. If you are with her at the beginning, you can help steer her away from these type of scammers.



I highly suggest both you and your daughter read Michael Gross's book "Model - the Ugly Business of Beautiful Women" which is the most realistic book ever written about the modeling industry. It will be a real eye opener, but also help you to know what to watch out for so you know the pitfalls and sleazy people surrounding the industry.

Answer 2

I don't have a daughter...but if I did...I'm not sure I would at 16. If I did, it would be under very strict conditions to do with the type of modelling, keeping up education, etc. But honestly I think doing something like that at 16 is not a good idea for a lot of reasons, I would try and get the girl to wait until 18.

Answer 3

I would say let her do it because if you don't she might always resent it. Some models fall victim to the industry but others can take it in stride and make more money and have a more exciting career by age 20 than most people will in their entire life.



If so far she seems pretty mentally stable, doesn't have body issues or a tendency to be pressured, she can probably handle it. You should keep a close eye on her and be her mentor so that if there are problems starting she knows she can rely on you.

Answer 4

I am in the fashion industry and there is no way in hell I would allow my daughter to do that until I was not my choice, she needs education most important when she is 18 you can do much but right now she need to study and be a normal teen that is self conscious, not a fashion model that has low self esteem prancing around overtly sexualized so that she may become a druggie, you are in the biz you have seen it, do not be under the impression that because she is a good girl with a good head on her shoulders that was raised right trick you in to thinking that it won't happen to her.

Answer 5

It would be healthier if you guys made her wait a little bit longer before allowing her to partake in these sorts of activities. She's in a really self-conscious period of her life, and she's probably obsessed with comparing and contrasting her own looks with other girls'. It shouldn't be encouraged. Her studies and family and friends are the things she needs to be focusing on right now.



If she continues to have an interest in this after high school, and it's truly meant to be, then it can happen for her later. But she's still too impressionable to enter such a cut throat and image-obsessed industry without any repercussions. Try redirecting her youthful passion into other activities and hobbies that she's good at.

Answer 6

If that is what she wanted to do and she was able to do it why not.



As a parent my responsibility would be to make sure she is healthy and safe. I wouldn't push her to do something she didn't want to do but I would look out for her best interests and make sure she doesn't end up like most models.



You should make sure your daughters modeling doesn't interfere with her education. Her grades drop= she can't model kind of deal so in case it never pans out she has a good education to fall back on.

Answer 7

I think she is a bit young to be starting a modelling career. Wouldn't it be better if you waited until she graduated from high school at least? Then she will at least have the education to do something else if the modelling doesn't work out.

Answer 8

Well, I don't have a daughter now. But if I do someday, I would definitely not let her model. It's a very cheap job, and not to mention all the trouble she can get into. I'd much rather educate my daughter and let her do something better with her life.

Answer 9

Personally, I would let her do so, with reservations. As we do with every decision we make for our children.

My daughter rides horses - I live in terror of her breaking her neck, as happens quite often. Do I stop her - no. I just pray a lot. She's always been a sensible girl and I have to trust that.

Accidents happen - as do bad career choices. To stop her now would mean resentment - and actually, you want an open line of communication.

Added: you are also, hopefully, more in control while she is so young. But of course, her education must come first.

Answer 10

it's because your dad knows that there are going to be plenty of men having a **** to your photos, even if it's in an 'innocent' context like a Next catalogue. That's enough to make any father worry

Answer 11

I would not let her now. In fact, if she wanted to model, I'd wonder where I'd gone wrong. But I would find a way to show her the day in the life of a model so she can find out early what a trip it is.

Answer 12

I wouldn't stop her from modelling but would tell her why I am against it. I am against it because

1. It tells women what they should like like

2. It tells women what they should and shouldn't wear

3. Models are never potrayed as humans but as objects

4. Models are forced into bad health



I'm sure you know the rest if you work with models

Answer 13

If that's what your daughter really wants to do, then give it a shot. I have always thought that as a parent, you can only be a "dictator" for so long, eventually you will lose the child.

Answer 14

I would like to think that I would give her my opinion and advice, and then let her do what she wants.



Thing is though, I dont have a daughter, so i really cant put myself in your shoes.

Answer 15

Dulce Doamnă / Danuelle / Victoria U / E-Guns chick / Sebastian U / Iulians mommy / Fergie M C / Brisha / Chadrick, how are ya?



um ya, Id let my daughter model. 5'7 isnt that tall yanno, if shes as tall as you say you are she might have chances. theyd know her real height when they see her in person yanno, she cant lie about her height in person as she can on the interwebs : )



Edit: ok you can block me if you dont like my answers yanno : )

Answer 16

If that is what she wanted to pursue, yes, I would.