When most people think of children's beauty pageants, they think of little girls in poofy dresses with makeup on or they think of JonBenét Ramsey. It is easy to assume that the parents are doing it because they wish they could win, among other reasons. Certain current TV shows allow the public to make these assumptions since it portrays mothers that are like that. However, what really goes on behind the scenes? How do these types of pageants really work? Is there a benefit to putting your child in one?

Let's start with this...

How do these pageant work?

There are different types of these pageants. The main are Natural, Glitz, and Pro Am. Natural is where a child cannot wear makeup. Their dress is normally a Sunday school style outfit and they walk on stage and smile pretty. Glitz pageants are normally known for having the children wear makeup. It is similar to a natural pageant but with more relaxed rules on dress and appearance. They tend to pay the most to their winners as it tends to attract more seasoned pageant competitors. Pro Am is a style of pageants that the pageant is more of a show where the children go on stage and in a sense, dance to impress the judges. Any of the pageants may include an interview depending on a child's age but the Glitz and Pro Am are more likely to be an On-stage competition (meaning no interview). Most pageants also have a baby and boys division.

What I disagree with in some children's pageants

Children should NEVER wear makeup. There should be an age limit. I do not believe that children should 'dance' around on stage but rather should show off their unique personality instead of giving some rehearsed show. There is a problem with children growing up too fast in this day and age. However, this is a decision that is left to the parent of the child that is competing.

What I like about some children's pageants

I like pageants that do enforce a no makeup rule. This normally means children 12-14 and under cannot wear makeup, and other age divisions must wear appropriate makeup for their age division. This can be a fun experience for children and could teach them interaction with competitors which will make it better for them to not become a sore loser. It will also give them confidence to be able to go on stage.

How do I get my child started?

You may be asking this question right now. If you are, here are the step I believe you should take.

1. Fully research the pageant. Look on the Internet and various website to make sure that it is really a pageant. Although I have never come across a fake pageant, I am sure that there are some out there.

2. Decide what type of pageant you want to put your child in. Look at the age divisions, awards, schedule and costs. Also look at where you would have to go for the National pageant. If your child wins a local pageant, they will either go to the state pageant or strait to the National pageant.

3. Study the winners picture. DO NOT copy how that winner looks. As they say, with a different panel of judges, there could of been a different Queen. However, you do want to study the pictures of your child's age division to determine what type of outfit to wear or how they would like the queens to look.

4. Watch the video's if they have some on the website. This can give you a great way to provide training to your child.

5. Prepare your child. Practice, Practice, Practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable they will be when they get on stage.

6. Ask questions. There are many ways to get into contact with other parents or competitors in order to know what to do when pageant day comes. Check out the forums at the pageant website that most websites have.

7. DO NOT spend hundreds of dollars on a pageant coach. We all want to win. That's a given in any competition. However, it is unlikely that your child will win the first pageant. It took me 3 years of competing before I won a title (other than a lack of contestants title). Make sure that your child likes to compete and try a few more. If at that point you want to hire a coach, then go for it. Just be careful who you choose and how much they cost. There are some that will charge way too much. Save that for the big competitions such as Miss America or Miss USA.

8. Have fun! That's the point of pageants. It will get stressful as pageants are normally very fast paced. However, if your not having fun, there is no point to competing or putting your children in a pageant. Don't be pushy but rather teach your child to enjoy a competition such as this.

Example of Awards

Banner, trophy and crown are a given. Sometimes there are cash prizes. There can be flowers or balloons. They could give toys, gift baskets, or stuffed animals. Each pageant varies on the type of awards and awards could change due to the number of contestants that have entered the pageant.