Normally it's the child who comes to the parent with the notion that they want to be in the modeling or entertainment industry. But there are parents who dream of making their kids stars and automatically devote time and money to help their son or daughter make it "big". Well, I have a few words of wisdom for you.
Be honest with yourself. The first thing you need to ask yourself is, "Is this something that my child wants to really do, or is this something that I really want them to do?" It's important to realize the signs that your child truly is happy and enthusiastic about going after this goal. The last thing they need is you putting pressure or pushing them to perform if it's not something their heart isn't fully committed to.
Don't let your child's education and childhood take a backseat. In the rush to put your child in front of every modeling and talent agency known to Man, friends, hobbies, outside interests and school activities can be left behind. You only have one childhood and adulthood is permanent so don't unfairly take those years away from your child or teenager. Find a happy balance that ensures your child or teen is getting the best of both worlds.
Keep a level head. To me, the most disturbing thing to see is a youngster who has talent and knows it. While it's fine to encourage self-confidence in your child/teen, it is so unnecessary to inflate their ego. The modeling industry is tough and the competition is there, but it's also important to practice humility. Teach your child people skills and that the world will not revolve around them.
Be able to take criticism. If an agent or other professional in the modeling field gives you criticism, learn to take it in stride without taking offense. Your child/teen may not have the right look or they may be too young. Listen to what they have to say and let the information sink in. Get second and third opinions. From there, come to a conclusion about what parts of their criticism you need to take seriously and which ones don't really apply from you. Then take it from there.
Be supportive. Not everyone gets to make it and you need to be the best parent you can be at all times, especially when you reach a dead-end. Crushed hopes and dreams are the hardest to soothe but being there to comfort them will help better than telling your child/teen what they did wrong. If you know you helped them to do their best, then that's all that really matters.
Don't put all your eggs into one basket. I already advise younger girls and other up and coming models about this but for parents it is especially cruicial that you help your child/teen develop future goals aside from modeling. Don't get them so wrapped up in trying to make it that when it doesn't work out, they're left with no skills outside of that field. School and building basic working skills should be full-time and modeling part-time. Keep your child/teen rooted in the real world and prepare them for it if the curtain comes crashing down on their modeling dreams.
Be a parent. Sometimes in the face of success, parents can tend to enjoy the ride a little too much. If you have a child/teen model, know your role as the parent. Always be cautious of the gigs your child/teen takes and how their image is being presented. In the modeling world, you do have to "sell yourself" but there's nothing more disturbing than a parent who "pimps" their child/teen. You are not there to be the best friend, groupie or servant...you are the parent and you need to act like one.
When your child/teen's modeling career takes off to the point where they're jet-setting to different countries and making waves in the fashion or commercial print world, always remember that until they are 18-21, they are still children. Pay attention to your child/teen and be sure to note any change in behavior, attitude or personality. The grind to be successful and make parents proud can be just enough to cause a child/teen to hide their true feelings. This age group is incapable of knowing real world experiences and what the consequences of their actions and decisions are, so it's up to you to monitor their progress and oversee every step.
At the end of the day, your child is still your child.
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