If your little one wants to venture into modeling, it is your responsibility as a parent to make sure that your child has a good skill set that will enable him or her to succeed in the industry.
Children who are highly skilled are much easier to work with and, therefore, become more in demand.
So, what are the different skills that your aspiring kid supermodel should have?
A top kids’ modeling agency in Australia cites seven of the most important ones for your child to cultivate:
1. Communication
It is crucial for child models to know how to communicate their thoughts and feelings articulately and effectively. Not only will this be valuable in modeling gigs that will require them to speak, it is even more beneficial in situations where they are required to go out of their comfort zone.
Therefore, hone your child’s communication skills so that he or she can have the confidence to initiate a dialogue every time he or she feels a bit uneasy, which will occur often in a modeling job. With the innovations in technology, there are many interactive ways to teach children. Now learning is not limited to schools and classrooms, there are various resources available online to help children improve reading, and communication skills. Even the multiplication chart you see online is different from what it used to be in the past.
2. Listening and comprehension
This tandem of skills will make a child model more bankable because it is imperative in a modeling job that the model knows how to correctly process information so that he or she can execute a task accurately.
If you want a long and prosperous modeling career for your child, work hard on developing his or her listening and comprehension skills.
3. Self-control
This is a valuable trait not only for aspiring kid supermodels but for all children as well. The strong ability to control oneself is critical in most life situations.
But for young models working on building a solid fashion career, having self-control automatically means that they can be thoroughly professional even when circumstances are less than ideal.
Like the ability to process instructions correctly, self-control can increase a child model’s bankability. Shoot or show directors and photographers do not have to worry about tantrums and other behaviors that can delay the job.
4. Critical thinking
This skill is used in all aspects of life, but for an aspiring kid supermodel, this is even more important because he or she will be in more situations that will require him or her to make decisions without the constant presence of a caring adult.
The decisions your young one may have to make may be simple but it is crucial that he or she knows how to take time to analyze the situation in order to make the best decision. Your child must be able to weigh circumstances and identify the consequences of certain actions.
When he or she is able to do all of those, you can have the peace of mind that your child will not be fooled easily and can protect him or herself even when you are not around.
5. Self-defense
You never know when your child will end up in an uncomfortable or, at worst, a threatening atmosphere or situation while on-the-job. But you can worry less about such situations from affecting or harming your child if he or she knows how to physically defend himself or herself.
Better yet, since your child is still a minor, try to be present (or an authorized guardian) in all projects and shoots.
6. Dancing
This is an advantage for models, especially those who have their eyes on commercial modeling jobs. Dance skills improve strength, physical appearance, and body coordination.
It is worth noting, too, that when a young model has great control over his or her limbs and can work his or her body gracefully and beautifully, he or she can reduce the possibility of getting hurt when a modeling gig requires some tricky bodily movements.
7. Getting dressed
This fine motor skill is super important for young models, especially those who go on the runway. If your child knows how to do buttons, zippers and other clothing attachments with ease, he or she can be a delightful asset in fashion shows because show assistants do not need to worry if the model has the clothes on properly.
This skill is not just about getting clothes on properly, it also involves speed when putting on and removing clothes, and protecting the clothes (especially white cotton pieces) from makeup or rips during wardrobe changes. So, teach your child all kinds of dressing hacks to make fashion shows a whole lot easier.
These skills are not difficult to cultivate since there are classes that young people can take to cultivate them. Consider these learning tips if you want to help your child secure his or her dream of success in the modeling world.
Author’s Bio: Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specializing in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modeling roles.