September 25 08

this may be the most disturbing (and hilarious) thing you’ve seen all week. and no, it’s not the Sarah Palin being protected from witchcraft video, although that one was both disturbing and hilarious (and who says i don’t talk about politics? hmm?)

no, this one came in our search to find videos of anteaters eating ants. my animal obsessed daughter was asking for some.

awesome. she – and we – got way more than we bargained for. and while the husband and i were glued to the video, much like we’ve been glued to Six Feet Under – we finished season 3, y’all, Isabella quickly lost interest. “where are the ANTS?!?!? i don’t see any ANTS!” “and when are we going to see the whales?” “i want to put my finger in its mouth!!!”

what? where did this child come from?

i took Miss Emily out for dinner last night. Just the two of us. it was easily one of the nicest times i can remember. we sat out on the patio of the restaurant of her choice. we talked about school, about her teachers, about her friends, about anything and everything.

She was feeling bummed because i was supposed to take her to meet with this talent agent. It didn’t work out because i didn’t have a babysitter and there was no way i was taking all three of my kids all the way downtown on the subway for this. (plus, i’m scared of potential subway farters now...) yes, yes. i did say talent agent. and yes, i realize that many of you have strong opinions about this. i’m not looking for judgment here today folks.

Emily was approached to model for print work when she was about six months old, and did it for several years. and LOVED every minute of it. she is a total natural in front of the camera. did everything she was told. impressed the pants off of many a photographer. and simply had a blast. (also? made more money an hour than i EVER could dream of). she was in Sears fliers and on Wal-Mart billboards and in Ganz toy magazines. We went to the shoots we could, and didn’t go to the ones we couldn’t.

and then we stopped. because even though it was ALL the child, at 4, talked about, i wanted her to enjoy other things. i wanted her to swim, and dance, and take gymnastics. i wanted her to explore other arenas. (also? i’ll be honest. i wanted to stop shlepping around the city with my three children. remember? subway? haha. plus, newborn baby!) and yet, she always seemed to gravitate towards the camera. the acting. the school play.

so, when we were approached with the possibility of doing this again, i agreed to allow her to explore this arena as well. and i’m not saying that we are going to 100% do this (trust me…the husband and i have many reservations. many questions. many concerns). but it’s something that we are going to think about. to find out more information about. to explore.

but, it’s not always all Jonbenet Ramsay, folks. it’s just not. Sometimes it’s just about letting your child do something she loves and something she’s good at.

-
  1. I think it’s a great idea.
    We were asked something similar about Matt.
    I think it’s a great idea if your child is into it. We decided not to because Matt has a hard time standing still/listening, etc and I thought it would end up being stressful for him.
    I think a lot of it depends on the parents. I don’t get the impression you live your life through your child like some parents do.

    LDs last blog post..Time

    Comment by LD on September 25, 2008
  2. I think with the wrong sort of parents it can be a bad thing…but if it is something SHE wants, then I don’t see it as a big deal at all. I hope it goes well!

    Kylas last blog post..Before/After

    Comment by Kyla on September 25, 2008
  3. So my boys have recently been spending a lot of time on Youtube, looking at various clips of people building elaborate Lego structures. One day I was down there and was all, “Hey! Those monkeys aren’t made of Legos, and WHAT ARE THEY DOING?!”

    Except I knew what they were doing. Heh.

    And then I suggested they go build something with their actual Legos, and then I showed my husband the clip, to which we both laughed uproariously. Then I put the burden of the old “talk” on him!

    Comment by differentkindofgirl on September 25, 2008
  4. I think it’s awesome that you will consider doing this for her since it does take alot of time on your part. She does appear a natural and looks like she would enjoy it. And .. what a GREAT way to save for university .. really!!

    Comment by Sarah on September 25, 2008
  5. You’ve destroyed my retinas. I can’t believe the size of that…that…dingdong. I’m horrified!

    Comment by Rhea on September 25, 2008
  6. Obviously, there are things about the animal kingdom that I just never realized. Hysterical.

    Debbies last blog post..No animals were harmed in the making of this blog

    Comment by Debbie on September 25, 2008
  7. She is talented. And you don’t seem crazy. And it could go towards paying for her university. And it’s important, living in TO, that she learn to take the subway 🙂 I would do it if I were you.

    Heathers last blog post..Commitment

    Comment by Heather on September 25, 2008
  8. Mrs. Anteater stood around a lot longer than I would have. I’m just sayin’.

    I think it’s great that you’re allowing Emily to give it another shot. Raising a pageant robot is a lot different than listening to your child and letting them try to do what they love.

    AJs last blog post..M-O Elementary…producing eating disorders since 1984

    Comment by AJ on September 25, 2008
  9. ewww that was funny but kinda gross good thing for the missus that the mister wasn’t in close contact with her when using his thingy or he’d have impaled her…thats so great for emily if shes into that stuff.and you are an awesome mum for supporting her…

    Comment by LAVENDULA on September 25, 2008
  10. I don’t know why anyone would judge you for that. If she likes it and is good at it, then more power to it. I think it’s only sad when the kid clearly hates it, but the stage mom forces her to anyway.

    THAT VIDEO. I sent it to everyone I know!

    Camels & Chocolates last blog post..Whine Country

    Comment by Camels & Chocolate on September 25, 2008
  11. thanks, I needed Tapir erection this morning.

    (I watch Zaboomafoo, so what?)

    and your daughter should model – why not?

    Comment by swirl girl on September 25, 2008
  12. I don’t see anything wrong with it, as long as she enjoys it and has a balanced life, as it appears you’re making sure she’s getting.

    Daddy Dans last blog post..Farewell and Goodbye

    Comment by Daddy Dan on September 25, 2008
  13. Hhm. You’re the second mommy I’ve come across with a modelesque child. So many people have suggested it for my girl, and she’s so dramatic, such a performer…I’d be interested in picking your brain on the Canadian market, if you’re down.

    Zoeyjanes last blog post..On health and wealth

    Comment by Zoeyjane on September 25, 2008
  14. OMG, that video! *SNORT*

    I think, when it comes to Emily and her wanting to get in front of the camera again, you’re going about the right way, totally.

    Comment by mamatulip on September 25, 2008
  15. Oh my gosh…too funny! I had to forward the link to my boyfriend and his brother!

    Diannas last blog post..I am…

    Comment by Dianna on September 25, 2008
  16. I never knew Emily was in print ads before! That’s pretty cool.

    I think it’s your call ultimately (she’s still too young to make decisions like this).

    SciFi Dads last blog post..Crafting With SFD

    Comment by SciFi Dad on September 25, 2008
  17. If she enjoys it, go with it…if the day comes that she doesn’t, you’ll know. In the meanwhile, she can bank a nice hefty college tuition payment!

    Anissa@Hope4Peytons last blog post..Do I hear him now?

    Comment by Anissa@Hope4Peyton on September 25, 2008
  18. My husband is still pissed at me for never getting our kids into modeling! He was sure it was our ticket to getting their college funds!

    Comment by Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children on September 25, 2008
  19. You know my opinion is about this is only about my own daughter and myself, and I know you know this, and you know I know you know this.

    :}

    I think modeling IS for some kids, and for some parents. Just not this one. I also don’t like olives.

    Backpacking Dads last blog post..Grocery Aisle Karma (GAK)

    Comment by Backpacking Dad on September 25, 2008
  20. Letting your kids model is nothing you need to justify or explain or try to convince anyone that it’s ok to do. Or not to do.
    You’re her parents and you guys are the only ones (and her of course) who should have any say about ANY parenting decisions you make.

    jasmines last blog post..our vacay – the short version

    Comment by jasmine on September 25, 2008
  21. D

    Mayas last blog post..Birthday Ideas!!

    Comment by Maya on September 25, 2008
  22. If anyone judges you for that, I’ll kick their ass.

    Misss last blog post..Ocean Sized Love

    Comment by Miss on September 25, 2008
  23. No — no matter what anyone says, you can tell in those ads that Emily’s at home doing that. Listen to your gut and listen to her. 🙂

    Haley-Os last blog post..The Things I Can Tell Them

    Comment by Haley-O on September 25, 2008
  24. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told that my little one should model (my older one as well, but not quite as much). I’ve thought about it, but don’t really know how to start. And i’ve been told they don’t take 2 year olds, so I’d have to wait until he was 3 (since I didn’t start young).

    It looks like fun. As long as she’s not unreasonable, I think it would be great!

    Naomi (Urban Mummy)s last blog post..The Terrible Twos

    Comment by Naomi (Urban Mummy) on September 25, 2008
  25. If she actually enjoys it, what the hell. It’s not like you’re one of those psycho parents pushing them to do it for the money. Like I would be. Whoa! Where did that come from?! Joking, joking.

    And the anteater? That is impressive muscle control.

    Captain Dumbasss last blog post..Spiderman, Girls & Pick A State

    Comment by Captain Dumbass on September 25, 2008
  26. Emily is so cool. She is going to be a cheerleader and the homecoming queen and in a sorority.

    SHE IS TOTALLY ME.

    Now, you just need to get her into the CrewCuts catalog. OH YES!

    slynnros last blog post..Scenes from a Marriage: I’m Tired From My Business Trip and This is All I Got Ed.

    Comment by slynnro on September 25, 2008
  27. I feel the SAME WAY. I wish my mom had taken me to an agent when I was a kid. And I can already tell I have a little actress on my hands.

    Go Em!

    heather…s last blog post..What Did I Miss?

    Comment by heather... on September 25, 2008
  28. It is so awesome that she has a mom like you that realizes her dreams.

    We have stopped, only to start ballet, gymnastics, and all the other fun stuff. But she had a ball doing it and I am sure she will ask me to do it again. Soon.

    OHmommys last blog post..Solving the world’s problems one toddler at a time

    Comment by OHmommy on September 25, 2008
  29. I’ll bet she’ll have a blast!

    And as long as she doesn’t dress like a hooker and is having fun, I’m all for kids modeling!

    May I put some money down right now that she’ll be a famous actress someday?

    The Over-Thinkers last blog post..Another one for the "Holy Crap I was a HUGE DORK"-Pile

    Comment by The Over-Thinker on September 25, 2008
  30. ohmigod! I can’t believe you posted that! Ha! Ha!

    The female is a lot more patient than I am!!

    Teena in Torontos last blog post..Sergio – a virtual boyfriend

    Comment by Teena in Toronto on September 25, 2008
  31. Can you please give the namer of the agency ..I’ve been looking around but not sure who to call. Thanks,
    Mimi

    Comment by mimi on September 25, 2008
  32. I think when it comes to putting your child out in the public like that, there are good ways to do it, and bad. Somehow, I think you’ll do it right Ali. And your daughter will survive and have fun. So, are you going to “bank” her money for her for later or… go shopping in New York again! Er I mean take her shopping in New York.
    (btw – that video was fucking hilarious – the commentary was almost the best part – LMAO!)

    monstergirlees last blog post..Another Yellow Flower

    Comment by monstergirlee on September 25, 2008
  33. ps. – I’d do it in a heartbeat right now with either kid. I had photos done of my younger one, got ONE call in 3 years.

    monstergirlees last blog post..Another Yellow Flower

    Comment by monstergirlee on September 25, 2008
  34. I think that you have a good head on your shoulders and will only make choices that work for your family.

    See? Samesies.

    Angellas last blog post..Win $50 At Amazon

    Comment by Angella on September 26, 2008
  35. I really, really feel like it depends on the child’s home enviroment and how intensely the child is pushed. You really don’t seem like Dina Lohan to me and Emily sounds like the kind of child who would thrive if given the chance to use her extroversion and her talents.

    Becks last blog post..It’s Monday and I Am Glooooooomy

    Comment by Beck on September 29, 2008
  36. You seem to have your head on your shoulders about it, which is great. Being aware of the pratfalls is over half the battle.

    Comment by Rita Arens on October 1, 2008
  37. […] of things i find disturbing. like men in brown cords farting on me on the subway. and videos of anteaters who can’t get it up. and wet cat food. and the size of the transformer for my Chinese treadmill. so, of course, today […]

    Pingback by Cheaper Than Therapy » Blog Archive » disturbed on October 23, 2008
-

Allowed tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>