Pageant Advice

I think it's great that she wants to do this. Since it's spring, I would put her in a bright colored, simple skirt and a short sleeved shirt that is lighter colored, but compliments the skirt well. Flats or sandals in a neutral color for footwear. Teach her to walk tall with her sholders back and to always smile. Show her where the judges are sitting and tell her to look at them more than anyone else. I would recommend no makeup, just lip gloss with a hint of color. Most of all, she should know that having fun at this event is the best thing, even if she doesn't win. I hope you all have a great time.
J.

Hi A.! No, I am not going to bash you! I think it's a great idea, if your daughter is really interested. My daughter started participating in pageants and talents shows when she was about 5. I wanted her to participate to build up self-esteem, confidence and to break away from her shyness. It was the best thing I could have ever done, because she became active in school plays, musicals, church choir, talent and modeling shows and would volunteer to perform at various community functions. Today, she does not have a shy bone in her body! She won some of the events, not all of them, but both she and I were happy because she particpated and I always stressed winnining is not the most important thing. Participating in pageants also taught her how to walk with poise and grace. She was such a tomboy, but has turned into a real girly girl!! A., I would put little Abigail in either a pretty spring dress or cute short set with sandals! I always encourage the use of props... possibly a small purse, a hat, flowers, etc., that kind of fits in with the theme. Dress her according to her age, because some mothers's over dress their daughters and make them appear much older. Always support little Abby, regardless of how she places, and encourage her to have fun! I always told my daughter there were pretty girls in the pageant, but she was the most beautiful of them all. Regardless of if she won or not, she constanly smiled, because she knew she was the most beautiful. Go Little Abigail!

i think the whole debate for child pageants is wether or not the CHILD wants to do it versus the mom wanting them to do it. if your daughter wants to do it i say go for it. don't listen to harsh criticism if it comes your way. you know what's best and building self esteem in our daughters is the most important thing we can do!

K, who is five 1/2, and I have been watching "Toddlers and Tiara's". She absolutely loves it. She wishes she could be in one too. J, who is just 28 months sits and watches it too, especially when little boys are included. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for little ones to dress up and learn poise and get a good feel of being in front of people.

Social Phobia/fear of public speaking is one of the most debilitating illnesses out there and getting up and being in front of people at a young age is great in my opinion.

There are some parents on this show that you look at them and say "do you realize what you just said to that 2 year old"???? One dad told his little toddler, who won several awards, that she didn't win anything because she didn't win the big title and crown. It can be sad too....

I think you might be able to find information online. I don't think we would like to do Glitz pageants for quite a while but the casual ones could be very fun as a starting point.

My daughter is 5 and has been doing pageants since she was 1. She went from a shy little girl to singing in front of hundreds at local events. The most important thing to remember when doing pageants is to have fun! Our children learn how to respond to different outcomes, getting the crown or not, by the example we set. As far as clothes, something brightly colored and fun. Make sure it fits good, compliments your child, and is pressed. Gymboree is a good place to look, also the homemade capri sets that are so popular these days are great for pageants. More than likely you have something hanging in her closet that would be just fine. I would put her in sandals or the ballet flats. I would not put her in flip flops, they slip too much and can cause her to trip. As far as the walk, give her some upbeat music to move to, tell her to smile, and just have fun. I tell my daughter sometimes to pretend that she is a fashion model. I've learned that if you worry to much about how they walk, it can actually stress them out. So basically just relax, have fun, and let her do her thing.

you can do what ever you want to but I would not let my 4 1/2 year old do what she wanted to I am not bashing you but pageants have way of causing trouble both for parents and child I think it gives the child a idea that they are better then anybody else especilty if they win it is good to feel good about yourself but not to think you are prettier that everybody else and there is to much stuff going around about being thin and thats where this goes in the end and as far as whats she wears keep it simple I don't know what to do about the walk good luck

My daughter and son have been doing pageants for years. They have a great time and loved it so much I started my own system. My son wants to be on TV so maybe he will get his wish. i got her a pageant coach (a local girl here in highschool) she listens to her much better than me and she was really cheap. Even though we have our own system (which is required of our queens to do community service as apart of their reign) we still enjoy the "community" of pageants. Its like a great new family we get to call our own.

Also i will tell you I have judged and the judges see so very little of what happens on stage. the most important thing is for her to make contact once or twice with the judges not stare them down and above ALL that she is having fun and enjoying her time on stage. Don't stress we really do not see every mistake or mishap. Its not like that at all. I know this is old but good luck in all her ventures!