Child Photo Magazine Issue 04, Summer 2017 | Page 79

Keeping Our Children Safe The following deals with sensitive issues on which not everyone will agree, and we recommend that you use only what you find helpful and valuable. Our children are working in an industry with many potential dangers. Using the lessons of those that came before us, we hope to help parents and children safely navigate the road to success in their chosen field. CHILDREN IN THE INDUSTRY Never leave your child alone with anyone you don’t know or trust, no matter how im- portant or influential you think someone may be. If anyone insists on being alone with your child, feel free to walk out the door. Teach your child to stay with you and make sure she never agrees to go off with someone without you. girls as objects. Ensure the songs your child listens to include clean and age-appropriate lyrics. Also avoid over exposure to high fash- ion model magazines and lingerie catalogs. Teach your child self-esteem and to be proud of who she is. Always encourage her, support her, be kind to her, and promote the positive aspects of her personality and be- Always be present while your child is be- havior. When disciplining her, avoid being ing photographed. Avoid photos that place condescending and try not to diminish her too much emphasis on your child’s mouth or self-worth in the process. tongue. Make sure she wears underwear, sits with her legs closed, and keeps her clothes Be mindful of common phrases that may reinforce stereotypes. Avoid using language on. Keep photos simple and classy. such as “silly girl” or “boys will be boys”. Avoid making your child look older than While our daughter is a “beautiful girl”, what she is. Dress your child in age appropri- if instead, we referred to her on a daily basis ate clothing, keep exposed skin to a mini- as smart, capable, and talented? mum, and lose the make-up. Generally, girls, ages 7 to 10, should be limited to lip gloss Teach moral principles and ensure she and a small amount of mascara. Older girls knows right from wrong. Will she do the may begin to add eye primer and concealer. right thing even when no one is looking? Make-up is only meant to enhance natural Serve as a role model in this aspect, because beauty. Typically, if you can tell that a girl is our children are always watching. wearing make-up, it’s too much. Teach compassion, empathy, manners, and Ensure your child has healthy and positive respect. Teach your child the value of good role models. Avoid exposure to media with behavior and clean words. Teach her to show over-sexualized performers or that portrays respect and to be kind, even when others are Continued on next page. Child Photo Magazine | 79