Constantly criticized by the public for vicariously living through their children, stage moms are taking a stand against this stereotype. The majority of the public assume that “pageant kids don’t do another damn thing”, and that parents lock them up like “show dogs”. This is COMPLETELY false and inaccurate. Many children who participate in pageants also take part in a wide variety of other hobbies and activities as well. Stage moms feel that their kids deserve the opportunity to try new things, and will support them in whatever motivates them – yes, even outside the pageant world. Parents argue that the pageants come secondary to the time they share with their children in the experience. Watching their kids grow and flourish in something they truly enjoy is the greatest reward of all.
Sure, this all sounds peachy keen coming from a supportive stage mom, but do you really think this is what’s going on in the mind of her 4 year-old daughter? The fact is, the majority of contestants are “really too young to even form a coherent opinion on pageants”. Critics predict that many children exposed to beauty pageants at such a young age will grow up to resent their parents for exploiting them in a situation that they had no real grasp of.
With an already overwhelming sense of societal pressure on women, we feel that pageants only teach children to succumb to these negative ideals. Young children, especially girls, should be taught and encouraged to challenge the unrealistic image of women present in our culture. Parents are their children’s main influencer – if mommy wants to do pageants, kids are quick to jump on the band wagon. Many stage moms like to believe that they are only doing what makes their children happy, but realistically, how can you speak for what a 2 year-old really wants?
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