I really want to model, but I’m afraid to ask my mom. I tried to talk to her about it once, but she just said it’s a nasty business to be in. She used to be a model, but her mom made her stop. I’m not sure if I want modeling to be my career, but I would like to try something new. How should I approach my mom about it?

Your mom is right, modeling can be a very nasty business—and having been there herself, she’s definitely in the position to know what it’s like. She might be trying to keep you away from the industry because of her own experience, or perhaps she still wishes her mom would have let her continue doing it. Whatever her reason for resistance, you should respect it. But that doesn’t mean you need to give it up.

Talk it out…like an adult
Try sitting her down for a mother-daughter conversation. Tell her what you told me: “I don’t even know if I’ll like it, but I would really like to see what it’s like.” Whatever you do, don’t whine. Leave out the “But, Mom!” exclamations and present your case like an adult—or at least a reasonable teenager, rather than a hotheaded child.

Think small
It’s not unusual for pretty girls leading normal lives to get contracts and do modeling work for companies, commercials and ads. I’m sure most of them grow up and do something completely different in the future. For now, express your interest in partaking in fashion shows at your local mall or for charity. You don’t need to aim for fashion week to get a taste of what modeling is like.

Bottom line
Don’t even try going behind your mom’s back, ‘cause whatever you do, girlie, you’re gonna have to get your parents’ OK. Since you’re not a legal adult, you might require some form of parental supervision, or at the very least, written permission. Besides, being sneaky doesn’t pay off, and the guilt trip is so not worth it.
 
Good luck!

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