Child Modeling: 6 Things Parents Should Know

Every child is beautiful. I mean it. All children are beautiful… Tall ones, short ones, round ones, lanky ones, purple, green and friggin’ rainbow ones are all ridiculously beautiful because their eyes are full of wonder and their hearts are filled with innocence.

Now that I have your attention, I’ll cut to the chase.

We all know that our babies are beautiful, but what happens when a modeling agency thinks your kid won the genetic lottery and wants them to pursue a career in the fashion industry?
Well first of all, don’t fret. Here’s a handy little ole’ guideline for parents that need advice from someone in the business. Just a little warning, some of my advice may seem harsh but I promise that it’s all true.

How do I know such things? Well, I grew up in a pretty normal way, married parents, one sister, happy childhood (blah, blah, blah…) and I’ve always been tall and skinny. Growing up, everyone’s given me the advice that I should model. Fast forward to age 15- One day, I took a few self-portraits and sent them to an agency in New York City. Totally thought it was a long shot, but I got a response back and I was put on a plane a few weeks later and was signed with a great agency. They housed me, took care of me- all in the great Manhattan. I’ve done some pretty cool stuff, worked for some well-known companies, have been featured in magazines, etc. I’m 21 years old and still signed with this awesome agency.

Anywho, here’s my guideline:

1.)  The first rule of using a legitimate modeling/talent agency is NOT PAYING for modeling classes.

The biggest names to ever prance on a catwalk did not pay for classes to teach them how to do so. They simply learned on their own. When a modeling agency seeks a fit for their team, they pick their beauties with or without the rare talent of being photogenic or runway ready because they are the ones who shape their models. Any “agency” asking for money to pay for classes is a joke, NOT an agency.

2.)  Meet your friend, Google.

Conduct a thorough background check via Google on any agency/agent that may be interested in representing your child. Past employees will review the agencies and scam artists will be brought to light.

3.) A legitimate agency doesn’t make you pay out of pocket but takes out a percentage of every check.

That’s just how they make their money. My agency takes out 20% for every paycheck I receive through them. If you think their percentage rate is too high, look for other agencies.

4.)  They take forever to pay back.

Well, not forever but just about.  The average turn-around time for receiving a check from the agency is anywhere from 20-70 days. My agency’s standard is 30-60 days. I’m not too clear on why this is typical for many agencies, but its just the way it is. Don’t fight it.

5.) Don’t get butt-hurt over castings.

Your child will attend several castings for many companies. Guess what? Your child won’t get all of them. At every casting, there are directors who are looking for a certain something. That could be a certain hair texture, a certain eye color, a certain kind of personality- anything. So, don’t get butt-hurt (your feelings hurt) if your precious child doesn’t get a few castings. To think that your child is going to get every job out there is straight up unrealistic. Your child will get some jobs though.

6.) Agents will give critique.

I’ve been put into a bikini and had all of my flaws pointed out to me when I was as young as 16, but you should know that a toddler shouldn’t be forced to do the same. When an agent gives critique, let your inner momma bear take control- at such a young age, your kids can’t speak for themselves. Do it for them, voice out your concerns especially regarding their health and safety. Kids should always be kids. Don’t ever let anyone deprive them of the childhood they deserve.

Whether your kid is a sweet 2 year old or a sassy 10 year old, as a parent you should understand the basic ideas of working with a legitimate agency and deciding whether or not working with an agency is good for the sake of your child and family.

What questions do you have about child modeling? Would you allow your kid to model? Share your thoughts!

-Ash

Awesome Kids Room DIY Clock {Teaching Time}

I noticed that my cousins didn’t know how to read a clock until they were in middle school and I didn’t want that happening to my boys, so I decided to make them clocks to match their bedrooms.

Supplies

clock movement kit

round wooden clock

black sharpie

paint chips

pencil

spray paint

printed number 1-12

scissors

mod podge

foam paint brush

Clock

First you need to spray paint your round wooden clock.  Next you will need to trace your printed numbers onto your paint chips.  Next using your black sharpie write the number onto the paint chip.  You are now ready to cut out your numbers.  I chose to make pows for the 12, 3, 6 and 9.  To do this I just randomly drew them with my pencil and then traced the number onto the pow.  Then I colored number in and outlined the pow.  You can do any shape you want or just make these numbers like the rest.  Next I placed all my numbers and pows on the clock and tried to evenly space them.  Now you are ready to mod podge.  Once the mod podge is complete install the clock movement kit, add a battery and hang.  I had to hot glue my kit onto the back of the round wooden clock since it wasn’t tight enough.

How to Mod Podge

I use a matte finish mod podge and start by applying to mod podge to the back of the numbers and applying them to the wooden clock.  Once all numbers have dried I put a layer of mod podge on the face of the clock

-Jill

Best Friends I've Never Met

I used to have tons of friends. You know the ones, the

friends who would always be there for Monday night dance off, Tuesday night

BBQ, Wednesday night poker, thirsty Thursday at the club, TGIF at the Mexican

restaurant with fishbowl margaritas, Saturday floating the river with a gallon

of Sailor Jerry’s, and Sunday Funday with NFL at the sports bar and $1 beers

all day long (Go Pack Go!)

Life was great! Life was a constant adventure, meeting new

people, and discovering the absolute best way to stifle a hangover and be sure

I was somewhat productive at work the next day. I KNEW I had friends for life,

because the basis of friendship was obviously poker chips and shot glasses.

Duh.

Then came marriage. Then a move back to Podunk hell.  Then came a baby.

Everything changed.

My life no longer revolved around the drink of the week. I

wasn’t focused on the most secure way to strap a cooler to an inner tube.

Suddenly, I found myself glued to the computer, up to my hip waders in

information on vaccinations, homemade baby food, how to breathe in labor, and

staring at endless photos of ‘normal’ baby poop.  I became a homebody. The bottles sat on top of the fridge

collecting dust, and the friends I once heard from on a daily basis suddenly

fell off the face of the earth.

What the hell happened?

Motherhood happened. Becoming a mother automatically

initiates you into the largest club in the world. The friends you thought you

had shudder at the mention of 2am diaper changes and projectile vomiting. They

squirm uncomfortably at the sight of breastfeeding in public.

Thankfully, the friends I have had since school days (and managed to keep in touch with) have their own children and understand the

trials of being a parent. The problem is, life in Podunk has it’s own evil way

of keeping you at a distance. Literally. Who wants to drive 20 miles to BFE for

a play date? I was cut off from the world, with a husband who works 70 hours a

week and a midget poop machine who lacks the ability of intelligent

conversation.

Enter, the Internet.

But grandma told you to stay away from the Internet! Those

women you’re talking to on the mommy site are really sweaty, furry old men just

aching to kidnap and debase you! It’s true, because she saw it on 20/20.  Yet, the hunger for emotional contact

runs deep, and I decided it’s worth risking the debasement. What did I find? A

group of ladies who happen to be some of the most caring, funny, wonderful

women I have ever had the privilege to ‘meet’.

Wait, you can’t say that! You’ve never met them!

Ok, ok, ok. So what constitutes a ‘Friend’?  Does a friend always have to be

available with a hug and a latte (or bottle of wine) when you’re feeling blue? I don’t necessarily

think so. I have the biggest support system consisting of the most diverse

group of women from all over the world! What more can you ask for?  It’s unbelievable how much the social

protocol has changed in the last decade. 

What can be such a scary virtual universe has also made it possible for

bonds to be forged from America to Belize, and Australia to Canada.

These women get me! Most of them have seen a significant

decline in ‘friends’ after becoming mommies as well.  I can ask about a funny looking rash on my daughters bum and

get recommendations from a registered nurse. I can vent my frustrations about

my exasperating husband. I have the opportunity to learn about different

cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. We have watched our friends get married,

buy houses and have babies.  We’ve

been there for each other through the painful loss of sweet babies, husbands,

parents and brothers. We have offered advice, sentiment, and opinions. We’ve even

gotten into fights!  These women understand the unconditional love I have for my babies. They have helped me through some of the darkest days of my life, and I don't know what I would do without them. 

Yes, my life has changed. I have two unbelievably gorgeous little girls who call me mommy. And 107 women who have enriched my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined. 

Kudos,

Internet.

Removing Diaper Cream from Cloth Diapers

Rule #1 of cloth diapering is Do Not Use Diaper Cream. I didn't start putting cloth on my first daughter until she was about 20 months old, so I didn't know all the in's and out's of the correct process. When she started getting her two year molars she got a horrible, painful diaper rash. I of course, panicked and liberally applied Bourdeauxs Butt Paste. I assumed since I was using a rayon liner that it wouldn't be an issue. WRONG! The butt paste went through the liner and absorbed into the fleece and made them repel moisture. I tried stripping them with baking soda and vinegar, used Dawn dishwashing liquid in my washer, and rinsed them a countless amount of times. Nothing worked until I put in a little elbow grease.

The first step is to determine if the diapers are actually repelling moisture. Simply dripping water on them and watching it bead up doesn't necessarily mean they aren't absorbent anymore. With most pocket diapers (I use Alvas), you need to apply a little pressure as if the diaper is flush against babes bottom. If water still doesn't absorb easily you need to do some work on them!

You will need some blue Dawn dishwashing liquid, and a stiff brush. I used a nail brush which worked well, but you can use just about anything with stiff bristles.


Wet the diapers and squirt on a little Dawn. Then scrub the shit out of it! Don't be afraid to get nasty! (pun intended)  You'll need to scrub in all different directions, and don't be afraid of damaging the fleece on the diaper, you won't. After you've scrubbed, rinse the diaper as well as you can and wash like normal, adding a couple extra rinses to your cycle. Depending on the amount of grease from the diaper cream you may need to repeat this until the diaper is absorbent 
again. 

Remember to ALWAYS use a cloth diaper friendly rash cream, or coconut oil, with your cloth diapers! 

-Shalana