Young. Fresh. Energetic.
These are just a handful of adjectives to describe young models. They have that contagious verve and charisma that simply calls attention. This mysterious X-factor is what makes them perfect to be models in the world of fashion and beyond.
More than Meets the Eye
There is a whole industry out there where kids as young as babies and up to those in their teenage years are beckoned to become fashion models. They look for the best and brightest in the bunch. They search for the cutest and most captivating in a sea of cherubic faces, all vying for a spot in the modelling world.
Yet, even the best modelling agencies for teens and other young adults look beyond the faces. More than just the looks, the most seasoned scouts also have another crucial criterion: values.
Yes, you read that right.
Your kid might be the most angelic-looking child in the universe but if he or she has the personality of an imp, chances are, modelling agencies will be scurrying away.
Not only will a child’s character come into full play when desiring to be a teen model, temperament and attitude are also major factors. These are all taken into consideration when modelling professionals and clients choose who will best represent their brands or products.
When your teen is bent on becoming the next big thing in the modelling industry, it is best to inculcate in him or her values that will help in ensuring success in the industry. Here are some of the invaluable traits that you should teach your aspiring teen model:
1. Discipline
In the modelling industry, being a “rebel without a cause” can be detrimental to one’s success. One has to learn how to listen well and follow instructions. If a child has no discipline, breaking the simplest rule can spell disaster.
Teaching your teenager discipline is a must. Discipline will instill in them accountability for their actions. It will teach them to follow rules, practice sticking to codes of conduct, and create a personal compass that will help them in achieving their modelling objectives.
2. Time Management
Along with discipline, you must teach your teen effective time management.
Being a model involves juggling a lot of things at the same time. They will have to efficiently manage their life activities such as attending school, going to social or family events, and showing up at their modelling engagements.
Teach them the value of having respect for other people’s time. When they show up late, for example, this will not only cause delays but also waste time, energy, and resources.
3. Resilience
In such a competitive world, your teenager must be resilient enough to accept the challenges. Not every audition will result in a ‘yes’. You must tell your child that these things happen, and what is important is their attitude in dealing with letdowns.
Modelling jobs may be cancelled, someone else might get picked over them, or they might even overhear harsh criticisms. Your teen must be advised to be ready for these things and that they should be resilient enough to stand up and continue.
Teach them that when they fall, they should learn to get back up and stand through the storms if they are really serious about pursuing modelling as a career.
4. Independence and Self-Reliance
There might be instances when they will have to go to shoots by themselves. There will be modelling jobs where they won’t have you on standby. There might even be jobs when they won’t have a production assistant to assist them. When these situations happen, they should already know how to be self-reliant.
Teaching your kid to be independent will help them well into adulthood. You won’t be around forever to do things for them so they should learn how to do things for themselves.
Start out with simple things such as fixing their own bed, preparing their own things for shoots, or even constructing a timetable for their activities for the week. Guide and show them how to prepare a simple meal, how to wash their own clothes, or do age-appropriate chores around the house.
5. Healthy Habits and Lifestyle
It’s not too early to start teaching them the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Especially in the field they are aspiring to be a part of, being healthy and fit are qualities that will earn them approval.
Encourage them to eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables. Also, educate them on the dangers of fad diets and how they can adversely affect their health. Show them how exercise and physical activity can help them improve their overall health. Even engaging in active play and hobbies can also promote a healthy lifestyle.
Beautiful Inside and Out
Instilling in your kids these values will reap them good rewards. When they start out young in practicing exemplary traits, there is a huge possibility that they will excel in whatever they set out to do. Whether they pursue a career in modelling or not, you can be assured that you have done your job in planting good seeds that will hopefully bear good fruits in the future.
So before you call interstate moving companies to haul off your stuff and move with your child to the path to super stardom, make sure that you did your part as a responsible parent first. When your teenager seriously wants to become a successful model, help them to become good role models themselves – kids who have a strong character and pleasing personality, ready to conquer the world with beauty that also emanates from within.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia's biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.
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