Would you let your child participate in a beauty pageant?

Especially not one of those makeup ones. What parents do to this kids is creepy and they should not live vicariously. Get counseling folks

My daughter has done them for years. It has taught her how to present herself in public, and humanitarian issues working for her platform!

My girl won most talented,but I decided that too much focus is on looks. Self esteem comes from the inside not waiting on judges' comments.

Absolulutely not! There is too much emphasis on so-called "beauty" as it is. I've suffered from low self esteem all my life as a result.

Absolutely NOT! She is entitled to having a childhood, not being forced to grow up and wearing as much makeup at age 5 as a prostitute does

Two words.... Carrie Prejean.. IE The oh so nice pageant girl from celebrity drug AND sex rehab! Gives girls a false sense of themselves.

NO. Some pageants ran well can build confidence & professional skills for adults but kids should be kids & learn these things from parents.

i did once and i changed my mind. i did not like the way the girls had to be made up to impress the judges!

Usually women that have no chance of beauty themselves subject their daughters looks to the scrutiny of others. Get your own life, moms!

I'm sure there is some good from them, but so many kids & people in general have HUGE self esteem issues, I think this may only add to them

It's a sad reflection on our society when from birth, aesthetics are valued more than intellect.

I don't think it's completely wrong, it should have limits. The makeup, wardrobe, etc is way too much. It's too much stress for a child.

I would allow my daughter to join beauty pageants, as long as it is clean, and would only showcase talents and wit.

But, I will say, too many stage-mothers do take the fun out of it for the child--if you have any doubts, watch "Little Miss Perfect" on TLC

No, I would never allow my child to participate in pageants. I don't agree with the message(s) it puts out there for our daughters. Hek

I've seen girls who really enjoyed their life in pageants. I would screen contests and judges, however. There are some not fit to judge.

This is not healthy for these kid's. Let them go out side and build a play house or something.

My daughters do pageants yearly that are based on personality/confidence - no makeup allowed. No beauty pageants though!

There are lots of ways to boost self esteem -theater, dance, speech/debate, community service - w/o being paraded in front of judges.