For example, some pageants don’t allow flippers (false teeth) or wigs, whereas some expect them. Find out how many different performances each child will make so that you know how many outfits and routines to plan for.
Read reviews online to find a good photographer. Ask to see examples of their work before deciding on the right photographer for you. Send the headshots to the pageant organizers as per the rules of the pageant.
You may also want to enroll your child in specific talent classes, such as voice or dance lessons.
For example, if the routine is about a fairy tale, you may want a large cardboard castle or a fake carriage. Pageants may ban props that can affect the stage or audience, such as bubble machines or live animals.
Don’t force your child to practice, or the idea of the pageant can become a chore instead of a fun pastime. Consider making a practice chart with stickers and potential rewards for practicing, to encourage preparation in a positive way.
Consider which colors look best with your child’s eyes, hair color and skin tone. For example, dresses and gowns should be sweet and cute, not sexy or revealing. Girls under ten wear cupcake dresses with ruffles and lots of shiny stones. Girls over ten wear long ball gowns. Boys wear suits or tuxedos. Shop online or visit a prom or pageant dress shop. Expect that you will probably need to have alterations made, which can take weeks.
A flipper is made of acrylic resin and costs about $300 to $500 for a full set. Alternately, you can purchase just a top or bottom flipper for half the cost. [5] X Research source You may want a flipper if your child has missing, damaged or very crooked teeth.
Keep in mind that makeup and hair professionals working for the pageant are on a tight schedule and may have issues getting everyone prepared on time. If you want to avoid that stress, bring your own artist who is informed about glitz pageant makeup and hairstyles.
Find out what the hotel’s check-in and check-out times are.
Have your child go to sleep early the night before the pageant. Allow your child to nap during breaks if he or she is tired.
If your child messes up, don’t be angry. Try saying, “You were great! You look so nice, and I’m very proud of you. "
You and your child can agree upon a subtle signal to boost confidence, such as a thumbs up.
Glitz pageant entry fees alone range from $50 to $500. Additional costs include travel expenses, outfits, styling and coaching/talent lessons. Glitz pageant dresses are expensive and often custom-made. [9] X Research source
Healthy goals for children are unconditional love, play time with other kids, self-confidence, and encouraging teachers. [11] X Research source It’s unhealthy for parents to desire financial benefits or social recognition through their child’s performance. [12] X Research source
Many critics consider swimsuit poses and competitions to be especially inappropriate for young kids. [14] X Research source Some critics have a strong belief that glitz pageants sexualize children and encourage superficial values.
