Parents or teens?…Decisions, decisions, decisions…
This blog is written to be read by two audiences: teenagers and parents
Why both of them? Well, depending on the model’s age, both parties will usually have some degree of influence on which jobs the teenager should consider. It shouldn’t be entirely the teenager’s choice, neither wholly the parent’s. Teenagers (by which we classify as being between 13-17 years old) are at a stage in their life when they should be enjoying friends, social events, sport, education and the occasional work experience, as well as thinking for themselves. Their decisions are affected by their own tastes and judgement, as well as their parent’s.
Take two examples:
1. Claire is 16 years old, and is part of a local hockey team. She’s been chosen to play in an important weekend semi-final against her local rivals, and she’s eager to be involved. However, she has an exam the week after, and her parents haven’t been over-enthused with her revision of late. Whose decision is it to play in the hockey match? Should Claire forfeit the match and put in a day’s studying instead? It’s a tough call, and one that might be resolved with a compromise. Both parties have to concede that the hockey match and revision are important in Claire’s life. Perhaps ultimately, the weight of the decision lies heavier with the parents, but undoubtedly Claire should have a say in the decision.
2. Jacob is a bright 17 year old, and works at the weekends watering the plants at his local garden centre. It’s enjoyable work (he wants to be a scientist when he “grows up”), but the problem is that his friends don’t have jobs and his parents think he should be playing sport or socialising more. Though working is admirable, it takes up his whole weekend. Money is important for any teenager, but there must be a balance. Jacob is of an age where perhaps he can make his own decisions. Again, however, his parents should have some control over his actions. Do you think Jacob should work on all weekends?
Though younger teenagers are more influenced by their parents, most teens will be at school and working towards exams. Modelling is a wonderful experience for teenagers because of the flexibility of jobs. There are rarely any “set” hours, so they need to be flexible. Unlike a lot of jobs suitable for teens, modelling does not usually have strict week-by-week routines, and there can be the excitement of travelling and meeting professional people. A teenager’s suitability to modelling might depend on their maturity, where they live, or if they have access to transport. Aside from good looks or unique features, parents and teens need to consider the commitment of both parties to make modelling successful. In a lot of cases, teenagers can make brilliant models without having an negative impact on their schoolwork.
Most parents would agree that 13 and 14 year olds are too young to make important decisions. Have a look at our “Become a teen model” section by clicking here – you can also read our reviews by teenagers themselves!
If you have (or know) a teenager who would make a terrific model in a wide range of campaigns, please get in touch with us. Whoever makes the decision, it could be a game-changer!
