Child models might sometimes seem a bit of a controversial topic. It evokes images of pushy pageant mothers and five year olds with perms and more make up than the average twenty-something. In reality this just isn’t the case.

It is often the children, rather than the parents, who like the idea. With younger ones, the parents will take the initial steps but if it seems as if their child doesn’t enjoy the process, it is simple for them to pull out. Even the people running photo shoots will be accommodating, and invite more children along than they need for their final concept in case one or more of them feels uncomfortable and doesn’t want to take part on the day. We’ve all been known to get a little nervous on occasion, and normally after watching the others enjoying themselves, even the slightly more shy will want to take part.

Here are five reasons they’re going to enjoy dipping their toes into the child model’s pool:

1. It’s different

Lots of little ones love to try new things, and if it’s not for them, that’s fine too. The experience will give them something really exciting to talk to their friends about at school though, whether or not they decide they want to do it again.

2. They’ll meet new friends

There are likely to be lots of other parent and child model teams if you get invited along to a casting call. They’ll all be a similar age, and they have this brand new exciting hobby in common, so there’s likely to be at least someone else there that they want to play with.

Parents will also meet people in the same position as them, and you’ll be able to share tips on other areas of life, not just modelling.

3. Gain confidence

Most babies are bubbly and confident, but by the time they reach the toddling stage, this might have faded slightly. By signing them up for a modelling agency when they’re still small, they’ll be perfectly at home and comfortable in new situations by the time they’re two or three. And of course, if at any point they don’t seem to be enjoying themselves, you can just stop. There is no ongoing commitment to your child model agency, so don’t feel guilty or like you’re letting anyone down.

4. Put money aside for later in life

Not only is child modelling a fun hobby, there is the potential that they will find some success and get signed on to a campaign. Any money earned from work can be put into a savings account in your little one’s name which they’ll be able to access when they need money for driving lessons, university, or a rainy day.

5. They’ll be the centre of attention.

Of course, not all children enjoy this, but many do. They’ll be in the spotlight (sometimes literally), and a whole room of adults will be paying attention to them, and praising them continually. Not a bad life at all!