Am I Too Cocky?

I don't think it conceited at all! Some kids are just cuter than others. I get told every single day that my daughter is so adorable. She steals the show wherever she goes because she has the adorable and hilarious personality to match her adorable big blue eyes and perfect complection. I have thought about doing modeling/acting with her, but I don't think I will. I'll just let her be a kid and make everyone smile for now. When she's older, I'll let her decide if that's what she'll want to do or not.

No, some babies ARE more beautiful. My oldest son - gorgeous child always. My daughter - the most angelic baby ever, but even I knew she wasn't a beauty as a baby, to put it mildly (she improved a lot in her later years, fortunately.)

Go for it, if you have the time etc.

Wasn't vanity one of the seven deadly sins?

This may sound harsh, but it is something I feel quite strongly about. Maybe because I have a girl instead of a boy and there are so many issues surrounding them dealing with appearance, their bodies, etc. Don't mean to bust your bubble but since you asked...

I'm sure your son is beautiful - my DD is beautiful too, I get comments from others all the time. But I would never consider any kind of modeling "career" for her. I would rather she have a happy normal childhood and grow up to be a well-adjusted adult. Those toddler pageants make me sick.

DD is 3, I would rather she get her self-esteem from accomplishing goals, from meeting challenges, from the things she DOES rather than what she looks like. Because that can change in a heartbeat. God forbid my child or your child was in a car accident or badly burned and then disfigured for life. Would they be any less beautiful? Doesn't our society place way too much emphasis on appearance as it is?

It's one thing to have a fantasy about something, about what your child could be, but quite another to start pushing some agenda on them. Especially if it is more about what YOU want rather than what they want. You sound like you are looking for some kind of validation from others about your son's appearance and it makes me wonder what that is really all about. I remembered I answered your post made recently about all these negative feelings you've been having - any change this is something that might be distracting you from all that?

Remember, we are all special and beautiful and unique - just like everyone else.

Put your baby in modeling if you want to and you think it's good for your child and not just your ego attached to your baby's looks.

Your obsession with your own child being cute and not commenting on babies who aren't is very conceited and and superficial. Everyone called my babies cute too, and it meant nothing more than a polite gesture, but not important. From birth, people literally gasp when they see my now 3 year old son and his german genetics from his tall handsome dad-also quite the head turner, and the fact he's a flirty charmer who smiles and waves at everyone doesn't help. My only hope is that it never goes to his head.

My youngest daughter has a large birthmark on her face and gets far less comments about being cute from all the "critics" out there like you, but she still gets affection from people with a little more substance. I call all other babies I see cute, because they are all precious in their own way. But then I don't pride myself on being a "critic" of perfection in baby's looks. Because that's sort of..um..yucky.

That's great, but you know what? A kid whose good looks are praised all the time may have a total crash the first time someone (a teacher, another adult) doesn't immediately make a big deal about his looks. This happened to a friend who had a little girl who modeled and did the whole deal. When she came home from school for the first time, she was in complete tears because no one had told her she was beautiful! Kids internalize that kind of thing.
It's something I've struggled with, because I grew up feeling that I looked really awkward, and it pushed me to excel in other ways. I watched the girls and boys who felt very confident in their looks sit back and not bother learning anything or being nice to classmates because, well, it didn't matter as long as they were good-looking.
Now, of course, I'm blessed with a gorgeous little girl who could likely give your son a run for his money. Not being cocky. And I've heard all the same stuff you have, about how she should model, do commercials, the whole nine. But I'd HATE for her to grow up thinking that she's just an ornament rather than having more self-worth. Of course we call her pretty and all that, but that is FAR outweighed by the praise we have for her ridiculous intelligence, hilarious sense of humor, and bordering-on-reckless bravery.
So, you do what's best for your beautiful child. I just reflect on a line from my favorite novel Little Women (and the subsequent wonderful 1994 movie): "If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that you someday might find yourself believing that's all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty. But what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind…your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage". Make sure you tend the garden, not just paint the fence.

If it's something you're interested in... check it out.

DO be prepared for a couple things:

Honest critiques of your child's APPEARANCE. ((There's a NipTuck episode which cracks me up having been in modeling as they talk about gorgeous baby's "thin, villanous lips")). You child may be simply stunning... but industry types will be breaking your child down into pieces - eyes, eyebrows, ears, hair, cheeks, chin, lips, lashes, neck, gums, teeth, shoulders, belly button, rolls... EVERY single part of her body. They will NOT be treating your child like a child... they will be treating her like a photograph. - Just as an example... I could NEVER do headshot type photoshoots. My face is just "wrong"... cheeks too high, eyes to big, neck too long, nose too short... I just look "wrong" in stills - flat places where there should be curves, curves where things should be flat... my face is just wonky. But in motion... I could sell snow to Antarctica. And I'm over 6' so I could feed and roof myself on runway jobs all year round. Even then, though, you're standing around naked talking about a 1/16th of an inch here, there, no you're all wrong for THIS dress, your calves in these boots make you look like a cow... the list goes on.

In modeling your body becomes a "product". And you're treated like clothes in a dressing room... tossed on the floor 1000 times. It's NOTHING personal, it's all about the product ... but most people can't take it that way because their appearance is VERY personal to them. This goes about a million for parents regarding their children.

They hear "no", or "too thin", or "too fat", or "nose is a disaster", or "ewww", or "too lumpy"... and they FREAK OUT at the idea that something is actually wrong with their child (as opposed to not what's wanted for the photograph), or they get furious that someone can't see how gorgeous their child is.

So if you can take hearing that your child is hideous on a regular basis... and to have her treated like a cut of meat...then yes. Absolutely look into it. But if you can't, if it would affect how YOU see your daughter... then avoid modeling like the plague.

The other thing to consider is this: Most gorgeous babies turn into ugly children, or ugly adults. It's because the things we find beautiful in babies don't usually translate well into what we consider to be beautiful in adults. It's not always true, some gorgeous babies make gorgeous adults, but it's usually true. And the converse is true as well. Ugly babies usually make drop dead gorgeous adults (look at the baby photos of A list stars... nearly every single one is a "yikes" baby). So a LOT of parents with gorgeous babes or gorgeous kids have to go through a very painful process of getting rejected more and more frequently as their child AGES. This can be a reeeeeally big problem. Because, as always, looks do NOT define a person. But in photography... it's the appearance that matters... not the person themselves. But because the rejections start flying ... parents will often try and "fix" a child, or they have learned to link approval by others as self worth or the worth of their child. And by the time a child is old enough to "age out" of modeling, they've linked that approval and self worth together as well. I've seen it happen a lot. And it's so, so sad.

Honest opinion. Babies hate to model. They want to play and be a baby. Baby modeling has more to do with the parent's desires, then fulfilling what the baby wants and needs. My toddler son gets baby model comments all the time. To be truthful, I realize he is very much above average, in the handsome department. However, not every agency and photographer will think that. When I think of making him wait in lines, behave for a photographer, turned into a product, picked apart, used as a marketing tool, fit into someone else's working schedule...I cringe. I desire and expect nothing more of him right now, then to be a child. To run and play, get dirty, see the world, learn his abc's, be imaginative, and have not an ounce of pressure to be anything specific for someone, pressured, or valued for anything other then the wonderful little human he is. If you're asking me, if any need is being fulfilled, by having your child model...my answer is no. Is there better things for them to be doing...yes. Is it fair of us to make them do something, that they can't understand or desire...no. Should they be playing and learning, instead...yes. Is it kind of shallow of us to desire this kind of pressure and physical validation of a baby, who should sheltered from that and taught better...you betcha. I hope this doesn't sound harsh...I just wanted to give my point of view on it.

Your question - "should I TAKE ADVANTAGE of my beautiful baby?"
My answer - No, if that's how you view what you would be doing!

Why would you do that to your son??
I have been told that my daughter should be in magazines. I laugh and say over my dead body. Modeling is not something I would ever consider, it is a cruel business.
Take a photography class, take pics of him at home where he is comfortabe and hang them in your house and Grandma's.
Let him be a baby.

Oh my. Strangers tell people things like that all the time. And so do friends. Who is going to tell you your baby is ugly? Probably nobody.

Modeling is a very time-consuming business and I had a friend who had beautiful kids -- just like yours -- and got hers involved. It was a horrible way to spend a childhood. She even agrees now that her kids are grown. They missed out on some good years of just being kids.

Why not just enjoy your baby for who he is and try not to "take advantage" of him as you say?

Speaking from experience here..... I have been in the modeling business as a model most of my life. My almost 16 yr old has also modeled but she hates it therefore after a gig in LA for a week, she officially stopped. I would never make my child do something because I wanted her to and if it was a fantasy of mine.

The fantasy is just that. Fantasy.

Make sure if you get your child into modeling that ANY AND ALL $$$ goes into an account for YOUR CHILD.

Why are you doing this? Are YOU living YOUR dream? If your child does not like it STOP

You do not need a professional portfolio to get started. DO NOT SPEND $$$ If someone asks you to spend $$$ RUN don't walk away

I have modeled most of my life. IT IS A JOB, A HARD JOB. Yes, I love it but it is work and it is work for your baby and you.

Be ready for a lot of prima donna mommas and babies...many of whom are backstabbing, hateful and mean.

You must be able to accept very critical remarks from agents and staff toward you and your baby. It takes a tough skin. Everyone will not think your baby is the prettiest in the world.

When you are called for an audition, it might be a horrible time for you but you go anyway. Your baby may be cranky, hungry, etc. Many things can ruin an audition.

Do not expect to win every audition. If you go in with the right attitude, you will be fine but if you go in with a cocky or holier than thou attitude, you will be ripped to shreds.

Deal with a reputable agency. They don't need professional shots. Send them a candid photo and if they are interested, they call you.

Lastly, this is hard work. I never had my daughter model until she asked to do it. Children grow up so fast and I preferred to cherish every moment I could vs hanging out in waiting rooms to audition.

Good luck

I do think we're sort of wired to see our own chlidren as more beautiful than others see the same child, thought they may agree the child is beautiful...it's that special bond that gives us that extra boost in our own eyes.

I have adopted children and a biological child, all are beautiful (2 of the 3 we started with as infants). In fact, some said my son was "too beautiful to be a boy" when he was a newborn.

That said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and is a matter of opinion, not fact. I would never tell someone that their baby is not "cute", even if I personally felt so.

An example is that if you're flying on a plane, your baby crying is a source of concern and builds a desire to comfort and nurture. A stranger's baby crying is an annoyance, and you're thinking, "shut your kid up, I'm trying to nap".

With all the problems in the world and the freedoms we take for granted that are slipping away with each generation, I've had a hard time wrapping my head around compeitions over who's baby is the "cutest". I'd feel I'm doing my child a disservice by exploiting them for the sake of vanity.

My children are a blessing and are beautiful in my eyes, and I thank God every day for them. They are a gift to me, not to be measured against others based on looks.

Now, all that said, I wouldn't typically share all of that with someone, but since you asked. I also respect that everyone does not share my opinions, nor do I share theirs, and you have just as much right (within legal confines) to live your life in the manner in which you feel you should.

I see SO many beautiful babies/toddlers it amazes me. I'm sure your son is very good looking but I'd be careful focusing on it so much. I've seen friends beautiful little kids grow up into not such great looking kids. And to not compliment other people's babies is not very nice. Often when I see a child who conventionally isn't so perfect looking, the child smiles and he or she is just adorable. Like your husband says, I think you're tempting fate being so focused on his looks.

Don't do your son the terrible disservice of making him think his value is because of his physical beauty. He is probably the very most beautiful baby who ever lived. And that's almost tragic, because he's so much more than that. But that's what most people will see, and many people will stop at his surface layer. Physical beauty is both a blessing and a curse. It will open doors, and close them.

Your child's temperment will have as much, if not more, to do with success in this field than what he looks like. Yes he IS adorabel-but so are MANY other babies. ( It almost seems like sometimes the not so classicaly cute child but the quirkily cute one is preferred.) How he can behave on a shoot will determine his success. So if you think that he has the temperment to sit for a long time under hot lights then do it.

People always told my sister that my niece she should be on magazines. They took her to an agency that agreed and sent her to a shoot for a dept store. My niece HATED it and they had to leave early...thus ending her 'modeling' career.

And you do not need to invest in a portfolio at first-just take a snapshot or 2 in...they will be able to tell from only that if they want him.

Why don't you send his photo in to that parenting mag who has a contest about the cutest baby?

Every mother thinks their kids are the cutest.
That's the great thing about mothers.
Take pictures, hang them on your walls, make great photo albums, try your hand at scrap booking, etc.
There are thousands of wanna be stage Moms who run their kids from pageant to pageant, photo shoot to photo shoot. It's a rare child who actually earns enough to cover the costs involved and it's a fairly expensive hobby.
At 12 I still have people telling me what a handsome young man my son is turning out to be. It certainly puffs up my feathers with pride, but good looks are not everything and his good manners attract as many compliments.

No harm looking into it. But here's a secret...we all think OUR kids are more beautiful than any other kids. Truly. And we all get comments about how our kids should be models. Maybe some can, maybe some can't. I guess you'll never know til you try. Seems that these days, child models are a very specific, different "look", wouldn't you agree--ambiguous heritage, interesting looking, rather than a Gerber Baby type.

I was a child model and regret it more than a lot of things. It became "all about my looks", I was compared to others, was always pushed to the limits... and that tore me apart and ruined the way that I felt about my self image for a long time. I feel looking back that it was WRONG of my parents to stress looks so much.. what is most important is what is within your heart. Beauty pageants and such have little to nothing to do with your heart.

Take pictures of your babe and enjoy him... but don't get him into modeling. The post below from JL was pretty right on about a lot of things.. all moms think their kids are beautiful and that is a wonderful thing... but you don't have to share his face with the world to thing he is great :) Enjoy all that baby time!!!

I hope I am not repeating anything. There is a lot more to it then just your baby being beautiful and photogenic. Here are a few things to consider; having to sit/stand/and be positioned for pictures for long periods of time, having to be dresses/undressed/dressed again over and over again, being shuffled around at times, having to work under bright lights and lots of commotion, having to work well with others - adults, other kids, teens, men and women, old and young, open to having your child hug and possible kiss (usually on the cheek) other people or sit on other's laps, and more.
As a parent you should be prepared to drop everything at a moments notice and be able to drive (sometimes auditions are in other cities then which you live) for auditions, arriving to those auditions and having to stand/sit or wait for long periods of time to be called in, being turned down, your child being criticized for certain aspects of their bodies/face, and more.
Those (through my experience of knowing people who have done this) are just a few things to think about.
Good Luck.

just reminds me of my old coworker that sounded just like you... exactly. he wanted her in commercials. she was cute. but not the cutest in the world. to me anyway. i think pagents and modeling for kids is horrible but then i guess someones gotta do it!

Perhapse this question would be better directed at an agent. If you really feel in your heart that he is that above the norm beautiful then it never hurts to get an outsider's opinion. I don't think baby modeling is tragic or doing magazines or things like that. As long as it's in moderation! Don't live your dream through him and make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

PS-Nothing wrong with not saying a kid isn't cute if they're not. I don't either. As long as you're not saying they're ugly or something. LOL! That crosses the line to just being mean. LOL!

Well you can always look into it, why not? I'm sure you baby is a cutie. There are some kids that have that "it" quality and it is great money to set aside for college. I have a couple super cuties over here and as much as I know they are just so adorable, I don't make a big deal of it. They both have this majorly curly hair and big eyes and people do tend to gush, but I just say "thanks!" and move on. I never want them to think they are better than anybody else, I mean looks are only skin deep as we all know. I always compliment people on their children. I mean what baby isn't beautiful, even it he/she isn't like someone out of a magazine? What about deformed kids, or handicapped kids? I think people are beautiful and that is what I try to emphasize. So I tell people about the cuteness of their kids and I mean it and I tell the kids, especially the ones with more challenges than the rest of us, how cute THEY are. They really need that. So I think it is fine to put him in modeling if he has the wow factor, go for it! But I would say take care that you don't give him a sense of superiority because of his looks and maybe try to see the beauty in all kids, it really is there:D Take care girl!!

That is why I say....Oh what a cute baby! In my opinion ALL babies are cute and full of joy. However they aren't all "pretty" or "handsome" but no one would ever tell you that your baby was "ugly" so they just lie or agree with you.
I was approached by strangers all the time about my twin girls-still am. When they were younger they looked very similiar to Mary-kate and Ashley Olsen...I didn't think so and one stranger made a comment that she thought my two were alot cuter/prettier than the olsen twins. She said the olsen twins as babies were a little on the ugly side-lol! I couldn't believe she said that but oh well I guess it was to my advantage. I never have considered modeling because I can't imagine having that kind of lifestyle or my children being forced into it. It would be different if they asked and wanted it but a lot of children don't even want it in the first place....believe me if they had a choice of going to a photo shoot or a birthday party with other kids you best believe what they would choose....the party with cake, icecream, games, etc. What kid would want to give that up for a photo shoot? If it's done on an occassional basis and the kid enjoys it then I see nothing wrong with it. Every person though in my opinion has something beautiful about them-God created them they may not have the most beautiful face but maybe the color of their eyes are to die for or perhaps the hair or whatever if you catch my drift.

Poor kid. People who are attractive are always exploited, but does it have to be from his own mother? If you were more balanced and normal about his appearance and it was not tied to your ego you might could handle a modeling gig and not let it ruin him but after reading your post I seriously doubt it.

*sniff sniff* I smell a troll.

My daughter is 10. Ever since she was an infant I have had everyone from family, friends, and strangers tell me she should be a model. She is tall for her age, lean, and has a wonderful combination of features from both my ethnicity and my husband's. I have received invitations in the mail from modeling agencies and pageants because photographers have referred her to them. I refuse to encourage her to be so focused on her looks and be surrounded by superficiality in such a profound way. Our society is filled with it on a regular basis. Why would I want to saturate her with it? She is smart, athletic, musically gifted, and very caring. I want to build these qualities. I don't think she truly knows how beautiful she is because we don't focus on that part of her. Your son is so young and you have no idea what his other gifts will be yet. Let them develop naturally by exploring as a toddler and child.

Sure, go for it! There is nothing wrong with trying to get your baby into modeling. And no, I do not think you are being cocky. You are mother who thinks her son is beautiful. Go for it.

I dunno krys. Unless you need the money I wouldn't pursue an acting/modeling gig for your child. There's a lot of hurrying up and waiting and competition, to boot. Not to mention your baby being cranky during a photo shoot or audition. Just enjoy his beauty and nurture him in a way that's gonna make him smart and a well rounded kid. Unless an agent knocks on my door and tells me He wants to put my kid in something, it ain't happening.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
C.

You know the old saying, "only a face a mother could love" I think most moms think their kid is adorable.. so you are not alone in thinking your child could "truly" be a model.. Enjoy your child not only for his good looks, but also for who he is.. sounds like he is well loved.

You could look into it but make sure it is a reputable agency if you do. In my area, near New York City, there are often representatives in the malls giving out cards to parents of cute kids. My son is cute enough that I have gotten several business cards. I followed up once and the agency wanted me to spend $500 dollars on a set of professional pictures ( I declined). Also, I am not the kind of person that wants to run to mass interviews with a baby on short notice.

Maybe you are too cocky, but thats the mark of a good mom, someone who thinks their kids are the best. My oldest is so thin, tall, shapely with body in her hair and dark blue eyes that i honestly think she will be drop dead gorgeous, model like when she is 20. My youngest is only 2 and is so naturally funny she has me and other people in tears laughing because she is so clever beyond her years.

Is that cocky<?, maybe, but i know no other way,

get your baby a model booklet, if not for any other reason than to say you tried, and it will be a nice keepsake.

Cocky? I don't know about that... are you telling other people how beautiful your son is to the point that they don't want to hear about it anymore? If so, then yes. If not, then it's not being cocky (thinking that you're better than others) so much as heading down a potentially strange road.

People tell me this about my son all the time as well. He is beautiful and his photos have been in local advertisements (not as a "model", but as a "cute participant" in activities) and it's kind of strange. For example, he LOVES story hour at our local library. They asked my permission to use a picture of him holding a book with the most innocent and engaged look on his little face b/c we are trying to build a new library in our town and they wanted a "poster child". We allowed it, but at the same time not sure how I feel about his mug plastered all over the place. I would not do it again.

This is not something I would pursue for my child with any vigor. Think about the odds of him "making it" and the time and money you will be investing in something that he may hate.

If he's beautiful now, he'll be beautiful 5 years from now and 10 years from now. If he expresses and interest, fine. If not, just enjoy your beautiful kid and take some great pictures for your enjoyment. If you want to enter him in a "cover contest" go for it...just don't just into something with both feet without thinking about what you will be exposing him (and you) to.

I think you can have some success if you are careful. My neice was noticed by someone and ended up doing a baby gap ad and got her college paid for. I'm sure if you research very well you could find the right way to go. I would not do the pageants, though. I think those are horrible and cannot imagine them being good for anyone.

We all think our children are absolutely gorgeous! I know I think mine still are and they are not babies anymore. I think your just fine! I also want all of mine to model.....lol! If you think your baby should be in magazines......go for it! Just be ready that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Cocky, yes probably....but not in a bad way unless you would tell a mother out loud that her child is not that cute/ugly. I think that you are just proud of your child. However, be careful to not be outwardly cocky around others or you will lose friends and become an annoyance to be around. I have these same thoughts about other kids, glad you brought this subject up because a lot of people would never even bring this up. Good luck in your ventures :)

I have no problem believing your child is beautiful! However, there are a number of factors to consider. My children are beautiful too -and if I'm honest my 2nd even more than my 1st -but when my 1st was around 10m, the owner of a very reputable and successful child and family modeling agency approached me at a mall one day. I did lots of research because I'm NOT the type of mom who wants my kids in show business, pageants or modeling, but she was legit. I went to their information meeting and learned that you're not going to get paid very much -especially for your investment -unless your child lands a national ad or television commercial.

You will have to invest in a modeling bag with certain types of shoes, socks and other basics. You will have to pay for a professional photography portfolio -usually one they pick -and it's expensive! You will be with your child at every shoot -often on a moment's notice -and you must be willing to hear them talked about like they're pieces of fruit. If your child doesn't behave that day -then expect to be treated somewhat rudely. They stressed the importance for obedient and demure children over and over -and my oldest is NOT that!

So -if you're willing and this sounds like a fun hobby for you instead of a way to make a lot of money or make your baby famous -then check it out! You never know -he may land a national ad or wind up in a movie, but there's a lot that goes into even the initial start up. Also -take a look at some ads and department store circulars. It's hard to tell what some people are looking for! Quite honestly some of those kids are downright ugly!

No, your not cocky, your kid probably is gorgeous. But can I ask, what will you get from your son modeling? Do you think he will like it? I get really nervous when kids are put into this, just because a lot of people running things like that are not honest and I would be worried about so many people like that being around my kid. Just my 2 cents..

I have noticed a very distinct trend on the answer to your question...Notice the posts that have received the most flowers...they aren't exactly promoting your view, or substantiating your intended answer.

I would think seeing how many people agree with the less than positive responses you received would give you a better idea of how people really feel about your question.

Then again...judging by your post...do you really care what other's think...or do you care too much?

In reading some of your previous posts ~ I am going to be a bit harsh, but I think you may need to hear it...You should probably spend a little more time working on your marriage, and your husband, and a little less time focusing on your child. A family is made up of "everyone" in it. I think your time would be better spent on communicating and working with your husband on a common goal...not promoting your child's career.

It's normal to think your kid is adorable and you think they should be models or in commercials.... but is it realistic? In most cases it's not.
From your other posts it sounds like you have a lot of problems with him crying due to separation anxiety so I doubt he would be a candidate for modeling. They have to be "controllable" children I would think.
But it's awesome that you adore him so much, that's a good thing :)

Well I like the same of my kids.... Matter fact, I have the most beautif babies in the world.... Sorry.... see other People feel like that too... But if u want to enter the baby modeling, go ahead, he will either enjoy it or he won't, but it won't hurt 2 try

i agree with b, EVERY mother thinks their child is the best and cute and the most adorable out there, you are not cocky for thinking your son is beautiful...who WOULDN'T WANT to think that about their child?? i can't see myself thinking that this "living being" that was created in my belly is one UGLY baby...u kidding me? that would tear me up and i'd probably perfer to give her up for adoption to a family that COULD see the beauty in my child and help her build a self esteem!

i'm constantly calling and bragging about my daughter to my family-mainly my husband, mom and my grandpa, who LOVE hearing her success stories they are proud of her too, i probably do over do it...but she's my only one, and may just be my only, so right now, it's 1 chance for me.

Even if i think a baby is "not so cute" i TRY to find SOMETHING to compliment the parents on, you never know they could be having a hard time and i know that public compliments from a complete stranger sometimes makes my day and rolls those storm clouds away...I'll say something like OO that dress is so cute for your baby, or i love the glasses....this way i'm not exactly saying 'u g l y baby' but i'm not lying either.

:)

thanks for the modeling portfolio idea, i never thought about that, cause i want to see about getting my daughter in modeling too, she LOVES the camera and takes BEAUTIFUL pics!!

Enjoy your baby! Take pictures and make a scrapbook but don't do the baby model thing. Be proud of him. It's okay. I have beautiful, adorable and gorgeous children too. (and talented) =) So I know how you feel... LOL

So try it and see what happens.

If your son doesn't like it for some reason, I'd stop, but other than that, what the heck?

Since you have photographic experience, you can easily make up a portfoliio if you want to do this. At least you won't have the expense of bringing him to a photographer. Consider googling to find out where to promote your son as a model. I wouldn't go for pageants.
Too much pressure on the child.
But for print modeling . . . like for department stores,
that might be possible.

You're proud of your son and want to celebrate his good looks through photography, then go ahead.

I think it's ok NOW to talk so much about how cute he is but when he is older you will need to find other things about him to compliment. Maybe he will be athletic or good at singing or puzzles. I keep reading about how detrimental it is to tell kids they are smart- it makes them afraid to fail. That we should praise EFFORT and being persistant with difficult tasks. If this was a girl you would get more criticism about letting the child think his/her only skill in life was beauty. (If he goes thru and awkward stage he will have nothing!)
As to modeling It is more about cooperativeness, sitting where he's asked to sit or stand or lie, being outgoing with lots of strangers and stamina to work whatever hours are needed and nap later. does your son have these qualities?

It's funny, cause i'm in the same exact boat as you with my lil girl. I KNOW she's absolutely beautiful and strangers make comments about her all the time. EVERYBODY i know, and strangers, thinks she should be a baby model. Not to mention she is THE happiest baby, possibly on the planet. I would love to get her into modeling and get pictures done of her, and i think if you want to show off your lil boy with photography, why not? Of course, there is a fine line between modeling and exploiting kids. As long as youre doing it for the right reasons and with reasonable and appropriate expectations, have at it!
Oh, and as long as your kid really is that cute, why feel bad for coming off as cocky or conceited? It's not (completely) our fault we've got (more) beautiful babies! lol joke, joke.

LOL, I was kinda this way with my son. He was soooo cute. One lady at a photography studio entered him into a nationwide contest. He came in second. When people would tell me how cute he was i would, not purposely doing it, would say "I know" in a suprised tone because I was shocked at just how cuted he was. I realized after words how conceided I must have sound, but I wasn't expecting such a cute baby. My husband did take my son to a contest, he didn't not win because he got hungry and fussy.

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LOL, I was kinda this way with my son. He was soooo cute. One lady at a photography studio entered him into a nationwide contest. He came in second. When people would tell me how cute he was i would, not purposely doing it, would say "I know" in a suprised tone because I was shocked at just how cuted he was. I realized after words how conceided I must have sound, but I wasn't expecting such a cute baby. My husband did take my son to a contest, he didn't not win because he got hungry and fussy.

I don't think your cocky I think your just a proud mama like all of us. That being said I too cannot not go anywhere without people constantly telling me my son belongs in ads, tv.....etc. I have to admit he is a beautiful boy and I don't just think that because he's my child. So my husband and I entertained the thought for like 2 seconds but when we really searched our souls it just doesn't feel right for us to do any of that. I want my son to have a normal childhood I want him to be a boy doing boy things. I don't want him to have a schedule, I don't want him to be uplifted or let down by auditons, I want him to be able to scuff his knees like normal little boys and not worry about an upcoming shoot....etc. This world can be very competetive and cruel and I just feel like subjecting him to this kind of lifestyle is not what I want to teach him. So I thank god everyday for this beautiful little boy and for who he is inside his heart and I reserve his beauty for us and whoever else just happens to see him :)