Early participation in beauty contests can lead to appearance perfection obsession.

I read an article in People Magazine entitled "Gone Too Far: Toddlers & Tiaras Controversy". This article explained: the expenses required to go through the process of placing a child in a beauty contest, possible psychological problems that could occur in the future to the contestants, and the possibility of canceling the series show "Toddlers in Tiaras." On average, The registration cost to enter a pageant is 1,000. The article commented on the rigorous process of preparing for the pageant. Approximated costs for: tans, clothing, photo sessions and prints for competition, wiglets, earrings, hair and makeup, custom made beauty "Glitz" dresses, shoes and a coach were presented in the article with the total cost for 1 pageant estimated at 3,703 dollars. The article went on to comment that the winners of pageants may not even make any profit. Typically entrance fees are higher than grand prizes. Grand prizes can be as high as 10,000 dollars but are typically 500. It's obvious that the parents of these girls are rich individuals. Their education with regard to parenting skills is still in question. It sounds to me like these parents are just showboating their money and presenting their daughters as little dolls. I think it's best to look at this issue from a professional perspective. According to Dr. Martina Cartwright, a psychologist and nutritionist from the article, "You see a high rate of dissatisfaction with their looks when they are older." The possibilities for future eating disorders, plastic surgeries and low self esteem increases. The article goes on to state that parents of these girls feel that winning a pageant boosts the child's self esteem. The parents never comment on long term effects or losing the competition. It is impossible for children that young to make a decision about competing or not. All the parents are teaching the children to do is to strive to be perfect. Wendy Dickey posed her daughter Paisley in 2 outfits that Julia Roberts wore in the movie Pretty woman. One outfit was the promiscuous outfit Julia wore when she met Richard Geere driving his business partners vehicle. Mrs. Dickey admitted that she "crossed the line" with this outfit choice. I think that this wasn't the only line crossed during these pageants. Skimpy clothes on children is wrong no matter how you "dress it up". I've heard the expression "sex sells" but using skimpy clothes and provocative dance moves in these pageants is disgusting and immoral. I'm not the only person with this belief either. According to Melissa Henson, director of communications and public education for the Parents Television Council, stated "This has gone too far." The Parents Television Council is calling for the network to cancel the series Toddlers in Tiaras. Poise and grace is something that can be taught at a later age. Early childhood education should focus on basic academic skills, language skills, large and gross motor skills, early literacy skills and social skills like sharing and taking turns. Children need to be taught morals and attain a high self esteem thru their accomplishments instead of their looks. These children are skill working on the idea of "self" and shouldn't be confused by societies idea of "beauty" and "perfection"!

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