Whether or not parents are justified in entering their children into beauty pageants, there are physical and psychological effects that come with them. Often, these effects aren’t worth the prizes that may be won in return.
The most obvious effect is sexualization, where a child’s value is placed solely on her appearance and not her personality or behavior. The issue of sexualization is a problem in all aspects of life, but especially in child beauty pageants.
If you’re considering entering your little one into a beauty pageant, I highly recommend reading up on the topic first. A great place to start is with Susan Anderson’s High Glitz: The Extravagant World of Child Beauty Pageants. It’s a beautiful, and somewhat terrifying, coffee table book full of photos and commentary.
It’s also worth watching the Oscar-winning 2006 movie Little Miss Sunshine. It poked fun at the whole child beauty pageant scene, but ultimately, Olive (played by Toni Collette) was allowed to be herself and celebrate her own uniqueness.
Pageants can be a great learning experience for kids, especially when they’re able to manage their time wisely and participate in competitions that require a lot of preparation. Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and competition preparation teaches kids how to prioritize tasks and develop a work ethic. These skills will carry over into their lives outside of the pageant circuit, as well. It can also be a great way to build self-esteem and confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
GRACE KARIN Women's 2024 Summer Floral Boho Dress Square Neck Strapped Swing A Line Beach Long Maxi Dress
$56.99 (as of September 14, 2024 18:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Tulle Prom Dresses for Women 2024 Sparkly Lace Appliques Long Ball Gowns with Spaghetti Straps A-Line Evening Dresses
$84.99 (as of September 15, 2024 21:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Scarlet Darkness Women Renaissance Summer Midi Dress Cottagecore Sleeveless Lace Up Dress
$33.49 (as of September 14, 2024 18:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ever-Pretty Women's Bridesmaid Dresses Deep V-Neck Sleeveless Side Slit Floor Length Wedding Guest Dress 0168B
$71.98 (as of September 15, 2024 21:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
OWIN Womens 2024 Elegant Ruffle Sleeve Flared A Line Swing Casual Party Cocktail Dresses
$43.99 (as of September 14, 2024 18:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Dolls Kill F is for Fairies Handkerchief Dress by Current Mood - Off-Shoulder, Custom Fit Dress for Fairycore Fashion
$48.00 (as of September 14, 2024 18:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
IHOT 2024 Women's Mock Neck Side Slit Ruched Bodycon Cocktail Party Wedding Guest Midi Dress
$34.39 (as of September 14, 2024 18:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Zxruijing Women's Long Beach Wedding Dresses for Wedding 2024 Lace Applique Tulle Bridal Gowns HC013
$89.96 (as of September 15, 2024 21:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
PRETTYGARDEN Women's 2024 Fall Boho Maxi Dress Casual Long Sleeve V Neck Printed Beach Long Flowy Dresses
$46.99 (as of September 14, 2024 18:55 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)