by Sierra Rose

Created on: October 10, 2009

What has the world come to?

At this age, children should be learning their letters and colors. They should be playing and enjoying the last year before they start school. They should NOT be cavorting around on stage, stressing over the dance steps to that new Brittany Spears song. What happened to Barney? And watching Handy Mandy with mom? Children are growing up too fast as it is. I would understand entering a beauty pageant in middle school years, but seriously? Preschool? It's ridiculous.

We've got to think: What will the impact be? These kids have worked their butts off to memorize all the words to the songs, all the steps to the dances. They've sat for hours upon hours as you groomed their hair until it was perfect. No messy foods, no horse-play. Sit still and wait their turn.

But then they lose...

A four or five year old isn't going to take that very well. They think, "I worked so hard, so where's my prize." But the cute girl with blue eyes and pigtails gets the trophy, not your daughter. She doesn't understand. Fights break out, friendships are broken. Dresses are torn, makeup is smeared. She takes out her temper on mom. You find your daughter crying into her pillow later that night.

What are you going to do?

Just bypass all the drama. Wait until they're older, and emotionally stronger. Four years old is definitely too young. It hurts to be judged, and in a beauty pageant, they're judging your daughter. How pretty she is, and how she holds herself-among other things.

Beauty pageants could even lead to a depression in preschoolers. They might not feel comfortable without makeup anymore. They might not think they're pretty enough, because they didn't get first place in the last pageant but Susie-Ann did. They might not even LIKE beauty pageants. Many parents force their children to enter, either for the money or for the fame.

Before you enter your little darling in the pageant, ask her if she REALLY wants to do this. If she is absolute in her decision, make sure she is emotionally ready. Tell her that she's a winner for trying. Encourage her. Bring flowers the night of the pageant. Make a home video of the event. Even if she doesn't win, tell her that you're so proud of her.

Even then, it would be better to wait until they're older.

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