Would you want a life of showbiz for your child

MommyToAshley wrote: A friend was talking about how her daughter loves to perform and we got into the discussion of the life of showbiz. I, personally, would not want that life for Ashley. She's a ham and would probably be great at it, and not having to worry about money would be nice, but I wouldn't want that lifestyle for her. Not only would I not want her subjected to the pressure of that lifestyle, the bad influences in the industry (booze and drugs), but the stars never seem to have any kind of private life. So, I voted No. But, if it was something that she really wanted to persue... I wouldn't stand in her way. I would probably voice my concerns, but in the end, I would support her.

Twelve Volt Man replied: Absolutely not. I want my son focusing on being a good person and student until he is drafted by the Chicago Bears as a star quarterback in 2029, in the midst of their undefeated season and five-time Superbowl repeat.

In all seriousness, though, I've seen very few big celebrities who I'd want my son to emulate. I'd rather he be a normal, decent young man.

Calimama replied: No, but I'd support her 100% if she turned 18 and chose to pursue it.

luvmykids replied:
Can I have his autograph when that happens?

When they're older they can pursue their talents and dreams, but until then I think I prefer the joys of a normal childhood

MommyToAshley replied:
I agree... it is not something Ashley would get to decide right now. When she is much older, I would support her if it were something she wanted to do. But, I can't say that I want that life for her, even as an adult.

5littleladies replied: I would definitely NOT want that for my child-At any age. As has been said though I would support them if that was the road they chose to take.

Anthony275 replied: no way, just reminds me of jonbenet

A&A'smommy replied:
I do NOT think its a good lifestyle for my child, but If that is what she chooses when she turns 18 then I will support her!!

msoulz replied:
Indeed - plus the entire child cast of Diff'rent Stroke and recently, Lindsey L, Brittany, etc. I know this is what is meant by the lifestyle but that's enough for me. When they are adults it's a totally different story.

Kaitlin'smom replied: no not really, however Kaitlin has told me numerouse times how she wants to be a star and be on TV and when it was brought up again by her last night she did say she wanted to wait until she was older at least 16 or so. Kaitlin has dreams and I will help her with (almost) anything she wants to go for. I did not get the support to follow my dreams so I will support her in any way I can.

gr33n3y3z replied: No

mom21kid2dogs replied: As the mother of a musically gifted child, I voted no but only because pursuing her talent will have to be her desire~not mine. Other than for her to be heathy, happy, well educated and well grounded, I don't have particular dibs on what kind of a life she decides to pursue. If she got "discovered" somehow, I wouldn't hold her back however, but you better believe I will certainly be there for the ride. I think in alot of the "child star" cases the parents got far too caught up in the whole lifestyle and it really effected the family. We've never been cravers of a "lifestyle" no matter what our financial situation and are a pretty solid family so I certainly see it as managable. On the other hand, she doesn't have an agent or a portfolio so we aren't pursuing it, either. She does have a vocal coach and we are looking into some theatre classes this winter, though, because she likes that sort of thing alot.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: As a music teacher..... by all means, if your child has talent, push them a *little* to pursue it. It's so much easier for a child to learn to play an instrument...or dance, or gymnastics, or whatever... and letting your child decide whether they want to continue or not, if they have talent, shouldn't really be their 100% decision. Sure, you may not think it's important... but how many of you keep saying how you wish you would have learnt to play an instrument? or learned ballet? or anything? you know better now... but didn't as a child.

As far as pushing them far enough to be in the "showbiz"...no. I see several students a week... and we can really tell the ones whom the parents push too hard. I have one particular student whose mother has her in for violin, guitar AND voice lessons. She's at our school for an hour and a half, once a week... and has to practice each for half an hour each day. The kid's burnt out by the end of our sessions. She's in soccer and dance, too. Poor kid. She's very pretty too. I can just imagine when she's going to be put into pageants. It's too much.

As long as you know your child's limits and aren't insisting on irrealistic hopes and dreams... not every piano player will be a virtuoso, not every dancer or singer will be in the great ballets and broadway... but there's nothing wrong with being "certified" in something.

My parents pushed me as a child... I had lessons in everything under the sun. But... after a year or two, what I really enjoyed and\or was good at was all they kept me in. And now, I can teach several instruments. Was it worth it? Now, yes. When I was 15, I didn't think so though.

Boo&BugsMom replied: I'm torn. I come from a very musically inclined family. I went to college for music and music is a big part of my life personally. Tanner loves music, and is also pretty gifted in this area already. He even loves to listen to our band rehearsals when I sing at church. If either of the boys were lead to a life like that, I'd support it as long as they can handle the lifestyle while keeping their faith, morals, and ethics in check. If they can't, then no I'd rather them do something else. Of course if Troy had his way, they'd both play pro football.

TheOaf66 replied:
sounds good TVM, just watch for my boys sackin the crap out of em, they'll be the ones with the Packer Uniforms on

Tanner will be coming from the L defensive end side and Aiden is comin straight up the middle as the middle linebacker

sorry




just kidding but I like your goals

lisar replied: I agree with the majority here. I wouldnt choose it for them right now. But if they wanted to I would support them in it 100%.

My2Beauties replied: I also agree with the majority, if they were ever discovered or something I'd be there every step of the way to ensure they still lead a somewhat normal life, but I wouldn't push my kids into the celebrity lifestyle. I think it's too much for a young child to handle.

jcc64 replied: Not sure. The whole Hollywood thing, no. That's an unnatural place for children, imo, everyone, actually. I believe in nurturing talents and providing opportunities, providing the child has the desire to do it. My kids happen to be REALLY into sports, and honestly, our lives are completely consumed by all the teams on which they participate. I'm ok with that, b/c it's clear my kids live for it. I don't think it would be any different if their interests happened to be with music or theatre. If they wanted to pursue it, I would support them. But I think I'd have to work harder to de-emphasize the more superficial and damaging aspects of the entertainment industry.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I voted unsure. If either of my boys turned out to be the next Tiger Woods, I'm sure I would go for it. But as far as pageants and doing commercials or modeling at a young age, no way. When they are 18, then it is completely their choice. I was in the arts in high school and loved it. I didn't have a future in it, but excelled at dancing in musicals. I'm glad my parents allowed me to try-out. Now my SIL has been a professional top model since the age of 15, she is now 30. And she lives in Hollywood and runs with that circle, she knows a lot of the big names, since she has to go to parties with them, do work with them, etc. She is still a level-headed person in many ways and very talented, not only in modeling, but painting. Yes, she got wealthy much to fast IMO, which I think is hard for her now, being that she didn't go to college and making modeling a career at 30 isn't easy. I think sometimes we, as the outsider, create an image of what a person/actor/model is like IRL, by just the image they portray in a magazine/movie/commercial. I find it a bit unfair. I know it's their choice, and they have to expect us to be critical, but truthfully, how many stars to you all really know personally to know what they are REALLY like IRL? Long story short, I would support my kids if that were the direction they wanted to go, as adults. There are worse things they could do IMO, as in having no drive or ethics to work at all.

grapfruit replied: I said "unsure". And the reason why is my brother (17). He's so incredibly talented and driven that "showbiz" is naturally where he's headed. I hope that he keeps his good head on his shoulders and stays clean and focused on what he wants. But there's no standing in his way. Not that I would want to. We've all known this was his road from when he was 4 acting out scenes (perfectly I might add) from the Wizard of Oz. He annoyed me (b/c I was the big sister), but I look back and realize how cute it had to of been.

I do think there are people in the "biz" that you simply don't hear about b/c they lead a "normal" life. You only hear about the "celebs" that are out there making a fool of themselves.

When do you ever hear of say Alyssa Milano? Only when she's working on a project or her charity. There are tons of people that have kept their head about them and stayed sane, so to speak.

I think it's like anything else, there are people in every area of buisness and show business and the like that are drawn to drugs and that lifestyle, and their are just as many people that walk right past it.

In regards to my brother, he's finishing HS and is working on getting into college. So I'd say he's going the correct route. Personally (and I'm bias) I think he's good enough now, but he's a perfectionist and wants formal training Plus we all want him to go to college.

If anybody wants to hear what he sounds like go to my MySpace page. He is singing my "profile song". I'll make it public for the rest of the day.
Casey's MySpace
(I've been having "layout" issues, so it's boring )

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Wow Casey, your brother is really good! What a beautiful voice, good for him! And btw, I agree with everything you said in your post, especially this:

My2Beauties replied: OK so Rae, what is your sister's name, I would love to see her pics, that's cool that you have a famous model in the family that lives in Hollywood, WOW! My family is so boring

Calimama replied:
I didn't know that was your brother! I love it!! I want it for my IPOD!

Nina J replied: With todays media and paparazzi, no. I wouldn't like them to lose there privacy like that.

If they wanted to pursue that career, I would support them 100%.

Twelve Volt Man replied:
No offense to your boys, but if they're anything like their dad, they'll be more likely to be cheerleading for the Packers, than playing for them!



















I realize that was out of line and uncalled for. I apologize. But, anytime someone pokes fun at my Bears, I get mean.

luvmykids replied: Wow Casey, your brother is GREAT! He sounds much older than his years

eta: I agree with those of you who said if your child was truly gifted in some area that I would support their pursuit of it...I wouldn't want the showbiz life for them now as kids but I'm all for helping them realize their dreams and doing whatever preparations now that will help them.

Boo&BugsMom replied:
Are the Bears even in the playoffs this year? Just wondering, since I've looked at all the playoff lists and I can't find their name anywhere. Although wait...oh...guess who I do see though? Some teamed called the PACKERS!!!!

TheOaf66 replied:
now can everyone understand why I love this woman, she hates football yet keeps up on it enough because I love it and knows who is in the playoffs and who isn't


and TVM I can only say this


YOU GOT BURNED BY A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BAC'sMom replied: LMAO

GO JENNIE and GO PACKERS

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Looks like Jennie ate HER placenta. She's a smart one!

Boo&BugsMom replied:


I haven't even read that thread because of the title. I'm too afraid to get grossed out.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: But, it's both entertaining AND informative!

Boo&BugsMom replied:
No thank you.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:

You don't know what yer missin.

holley79 replied: I don't think so. I mean look at all the celebirty kids out there. They start out ok then many of them go down hill from there. It's quiet sad actually.

grapfruit replied:
True, but w/a good support system that doesn't have to be the case. Look at Jodie Foster. She was a child star and still appears to have her head on straight.

Keri Russell
Justin Timberlake
The Olsen Twins (yes there was a little stink over Mary Kate (?) and an eating disorder and a scandal about some drugs, but all in all they have a GREAT head for business. You pretty much only hear about them in a positive light any more)
and I'm sure others.

I agree, Hollywood is a screwed up culture and it has to make being a kid hard. But sometimes I think the parents get in over their head w/the money and fame and fail to keep control of the situation.