On many weekends, young girls are competing in pageants, parading around on stage in heavy makeup, weighed down by heavily sequined dresses,  to compete and hopefully win trophy’s. In a week, TLC will unveil a new pageant show for children age 10 and under (all the way down to girls in diapers.)

I saw a preview for the show this last weekend and was intrigued to learn more. I found out that the girls use spray tans, hair pieces/extensions, heavy makeup, fake teeth (when they start losing their teeth), pricey outfits, and much more.

The girls are judged on facial beauty, poise, talent, etc. Parents encourage their daughters to participate in pageants for many reasons: they want to help a shy child become more outgoing, the child may enjoy being on stage, or perhaps to learn poise and public speaking. Most moms agree that it’s a great bonding experience as well.

Watch here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsy-rRzkufQ

Do you agree with what these parents are doing? Would you put your child in a pagent? Do you think the little girls really want to compete or are they being pushed? What, in your opinion, are the girls gaining/learning? What are the pros/cons? I’d love to hear your comments!