Avoiding the Issues of Child Modelling

Child modelling is one of the few ways children can make money and have some fun doing it. However, there are some issues to be aware of before you start.

The obvious issue with child modelling is to understand that there are some legal issues to deal with when it comes to child models. The top two are the money and your rights as a parent. Make sure that you check out the local laws with a lawyer before signing a contract; local laws tend to vary. It's advised that you allow the agency their cut, and then just put the rest of the money in a trust for the child. Some states tend to enforce their laws about how much money you as the parent can keep, and if any more is used they can come down on you rather nastily. Although the amount can range as high 30% of what the child makes, and doesn't really apply to child models, it's just better to establish the fund, as it's a good idea for the child's future (if the child has any degree of success then that fund can help defray potential college costs). Also, as a number of child models also do work as performers, it's just a good idea to bank a certain percentage of the child's income.

The other is to ensure that your rights as a child model parent are not infringed. The most important is that you generally have a right to see your child at all times; although you can sign those rights away, make sure that you trust the person absolutely before you do so. Paying for travel for all of those involved (the child and at least one parent) should be part and parcel of any deal, as you do usually have a legal right to be there. The minimum you should accept is a

real-time video/audio link; if that is not possible then it may be time to look for a new agency. If the child model agency insists that you sign off on this right, then it is definitely time to look for a new agency.

Although you need to be proactive in ensuring your own rights, you need to balance that against letting your child enjoy his job. You need to remember that your job is to safeguard your child and not to act as his agent; crossing that line usually results in your child not getting any more jobs. You may have certain rights, but running the shoot in any way or form is not part of them. Relax, make sure that your child is safe, and bring something to do; do that and you should be alright.

You do not want to be a stage parent. You want to be making sure that your rights and those of your child are respected, but you also need to remember that this is a working environment and you should not interfere with that. Bear that in mind, and your child should have a long, fruitful career.