How to Keep Modelling Fun and Stress-Free for Your Child (And You!)

  • Postedby Mimi

If you’re a parent or guardian to a child model and you’re reading this blog, welcome! We’re glad you’ve landed on this page because we know that when they’ve been booked for a gig, it can be an exciting experience but equally an anxious one!

Thoughts such as, what do I do if they feel fearful about the new experience or cry? How do I keep them content and happy? How do I keep them entertained during the process? All of these pre-assignment worries are understandable, whether it’s your child’s first or fifth assignment. Models Direct is offering some practical solutions to help you keep the modelling process fun and stress-free for your child and you!

Apply to be a model

Communicate with your child
It all begins with good communication so talk to your child about modelling and that they’ve been booked for a job. Sit with them and explain as much as you can with the help of their modelling brief and depending on their understanding. Keep it exciting and fun and ask them how they feel about the prospect of travelling somewhere new and doing something different. You can ask them to choose their outfit and practise some modelling poses beforehand so that they’re included in what’s going on.

Keep their schedule light
Modelling is a flexible part-time experience and opportunities can pop up at any time. With young children, aim to keep their schedule simple and try not to overload them with too many extra-curricular activities. Chances are they’re attending school (unless of course, they’re home-schooled), and if a job comes through, they might have to fit it around their already busy day.

If there are too many activities going on in their day, added with a new assignment, it might make them feel overwhelmed or overtired. This is not to say that they can’t enjoy their interests and hobbies but keeping some days light is a great idea.

Choose supportive, child-friendly professionals
When deciding whether the client is the right one for you and your child, you can ask what measures they have in place to support a child-friendly environment and experience. If you feel that they won’t support your child’s needs, you have every right to decline the job offer.

Stay calm
Children can sense when you’re stressed so try and stay calm by preparing as much in advance. You’ll have a Models Direct coordinator available to talk to throughout your child’s assignment so if you do have any questions or worries, reach out. We know it can be stressful particularly if you have to travel far or it’s scheduled to be a busy day (two or more!), so share how you’re feeling with us and we’ll be happy to help lift the worries.

Check how they’re feeling
If a job’s on the horizon, see how your child is feeling. Are they well in themselves? How are they feeling about the experience ahead? Talk to them. Ensure they have plenty of rest, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.

Hire a model

Pack their essentials
Whether it’s food, snacks, drinks or their comfort toy, make sure to pack it all before you head out together for their gig. Keeping them comfortable and entertained are good way to make your journey feel more prepared, fun and stress-free.

Be supportive on set
When your child is working on their assignment, remember to encourage them with positivity. You will help them to feel more content, secure and reassured particularly if they’re feeling a bit wobbly. Naturally, they might feel tired or unsettled so watch out for these signs and inform the client so that your little one can take an extra break or two if needed.

Your child’s wellbeing and safety are really important so be present at all shoots, and follow our tips above to help their modelling journey be fun and stress-free as well as for you! Reach out to us if you have any questions, and our dedicated team will be happy to help.