by Nina Hammiel Turner

Created on: February 24, 2009

This is touchy subject and a difficult question to answer. On one hand people frown at the idea of entering young children into competitions such as talent contests and beauty pageants. Beauty pageants in particular have gotten a bad wrap since the untimely murder of JonBenet Ramsey, who was a child beauty pageant contestant and from television shows like TLCs Toddlers & Tiaras. However, talent shows and beauty pageants can foster a healthy competitive environment for preschoolers, teach them good sportsmanship, and aid in their socialization.

Humans are by nature competitive. For those of us in the world who don't believe in competitiveness or think it's unhealthy just imagine where we would be in the survival of the fittest without our competitive nature. Being competitive helps you get the job you want, get into the school of your choice, and pursue the person you think is your soul mate. We compete everyday even as you're driving home from work and trying to switch lanes you are in competition with the driver in front of you and behind you. So, why not allow children to learn how to express their competitiveness in a healthy environment such as a talent show or a beauty pageant?

Not only will preschoolers be able to compete in a healthy environment through talent contests and beauty pageants, they will be able to learn good sportsmanship. Beauty pageants often give awards for Miss Congeniality, so being kind to your peers is important. While, young children may be disappointed if they lose a competition they will feel rewarded through new friendships and camaraderie. Talent shows and beauty pageants do not allow booing of other contestants and they frown heavily upon negative behavior.
These are important lessons for preschoolers to learn.

The argument against allowing preschoolers being able to participate in talent contests and pageants are that the contests are too competitive, they parade children on stages in inappropriate outfits, or that they put undo pressure on the children. Yet, no one seems to have a problem with enrolling preschoolers in soccer, dance, tee ball, gymnastics, and a host of other activities. Dance and gymnastics have young children dressed in skimpy outfits parading on a stage. Each of the activities puts the children in a position to compete and puts pressure on them. Talent shows and beauty pageants are no different from sports activities and dance class. They are vital to raising well-rounded children and preschoolers should absolutely participate in them.

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