Of course, that's easier said than done and for those of you who are underage and still live in your parents' house and under their rules, my heart goes out to you. In that particular situation, I always advise that if you are really set on being a model, do as much research as you can and have a game plan. Then tell your parents after you have all the information and know without a doubt that you can answer any and all questions they may have. Parents tend to get cautious about something if you can't give them a legit answer about it. Don't just jump in and announce your plans to walk the runways in Europe and other major countries without thinking it through first. Just by you knowing your stuff, you may impress your parents enough to make them at least acknowledge that this is something you are serious about. The key is to convince them that 1) this is not a phase you're going through that you'll just dump a few weeks or months later, 2) it will not interfere with your schooling and 3) that you don't intend on modeling becoming your sole career (if you do, you have a lot more obstacles to tackle with your parents that I can't help you with!).
The main thing to emphasize to your parents or other family members is that this is something you are passionate about and want to give a shot...but that you need them to be supportive of whether you make it or not. Just having confirmation of that type of support can make all the difference to how you approach modeling. If you are currently a student in high school or college, you'll have to test the waters first and convince your parents that your choices aren't going to interfere with everything else. Of course if you end up being the next "it" model and are jetting around the world and making more than your parents combined, I don't think they would really complain. LOL.
If you have parents that are concerned about your self-esteem issues or falling into the eating disorder category, they are well within their rights to have such concerns because modeling as a business can be nasty and what parent wants to know that they willingly let their child take on something that may emotionally scar them if it doesn't work out? This is why it is so important to know the ins and outs of the business and have a plan. Include your parents as much as possible in your decisions with modeling and try to always find a compromise, as opposed to yelling at them when they won't let you do something your way. Find a happy medium and encourage them to talk to the agencies and ask all the questions they need until they are satisfied. Don't hide your parents from the agencies...especially if you are under 18...it is vital that they be a part of this process every step of the way with you.
For those of you with parents who are absolutely furious that you want to be a model and do or say things to discourage you, my heart REALLY goes out to you. But don't give up. If you know you stand a good chance at finding an agency that will take your modeling career in the right direction, go for it! But at the same time, don't burn bridges with your parents. Modeling is a fleeting career that isn't promised...family (most times anyway) is forever. If you're bashing heads with your parents on the subject of modeling, step back and evaluate everything from all sides. In the end if they are just being difficult for no reason, then do what you can to pursue your dream without stepping on their toes. Sometimes you will have to push through without their support...as long as you handle your business and continue to do well in your modeling career, that is all that matters.
My mom is very supportive of my modeling career but I can't say the same about my dad. He is very wishy-washy about the subject. Mostly he doesn't take it seriously that I model and even with my resume and "proof" of my career, to him it isn't something he feels I should spend my time on. When I go to go-sees or auditions, he always tells me that it's a waste of my time and gas and that for now all I know is that the gig will pay well IF I get it. Yes, it hurts to know that he cannot find it in his heart to support my modeling but that has never stopped me from going out and achieving my goals.
"One monkey don't stop no show," as the old saying goes.
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