My daughter is 8 years old, and she was offered a role in a commercial. It's generally good money.
But I'm concerned about ethical issues - a child's fame in today's world can even be dangerous.
My husband is against this job, but my daughter wants to do it.
I don't know what to decide.
Would you let your child act in a commercial?

  • Do what Elijah Wood's mom did and never leave her alone with anyone in the industry, and advocate for her fearlessly if you do decide to proceed.

  • I’d be extremely careful. Try hard to avoid signing anything that has effect beyond this one commercial. Good luck.

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  • I work in the industry, there are young people featured more than ever EVERYWHERE, not just TV/film. I see child actors everywhere too, hollywood,... etc. I don't know why people are so paranoid. I'd be more paranoid about yr child at school, where the possibility of predators exist more than at a commercial shoot. more

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  • Ultimately, you and your husband should make the final decision together. I will say that I have been in the modeling and commercial industry since I... was your daughter’s age. By no means am I famous, but I have enjoyed the opportunities. You and your husband can make the final decision as to l which jobs she auditions for and/or accepts. If you don’t like her agent, find another one. Set boundaries now and stick with them. This could be an amazing opportunity, not to mention fun!  more

  • That's a great opportunity. If she was chosen for the role, then she did well in her auditions. Usually, there are several auditions before the... finalist is offered a part. Was your husband OK with her auditioning, but now that she was chosen, he's had a change of heart? Since she is a minor, there are laws that the people producing the commercial have to adhere to. Plus, since she is only 8, as a parent, I would be on set during the filming. You don't mention what type of commercial it is. Also, if you end up allowing her to do this, she may find out acting is not for her,and she won't want to audition anymore?  more

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  • Common sense should enable you to know what to do. Has your child taking over your responsibility as a parent? Has money become more important than... godly upbringing of the child? Who should decide how the home should be run: your child, you or your husband (the head of the home)? When that innocent child gets corrupted now, the blame would go to the FATHER not even you the mother, who wants to push the child astray because of money. Thank you.  more

  • Your concern is very valid. However, the most important thing he is how well you have trained your child to understand the difference between right... and wrong. I would definitely accept this office but continue to guide the child more

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  • I’ve done many commercials, nationals and local ones, and they don’t automatically lead to fame. That’s the laymen’s thought - I’m on TV I’m famous .... It can of course but that’s a long road which presents many challenges. I’d say absolutely accept because it’s a learning experience and could be terrific. If it’s not temperamentally suitable you and the child will learn that. So I’d encourage you all to give it a try -  more

  • Yes, I would gladly accept the job. What truly matters is the moral values you've instilled in her. Sometimes, when opportunities come our way, we... hesitate unaware that they could be part of our destiny. more

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  • Life is a risk. If you don't take one today, you may take one tomorrow. Or forget about progress. Assess the risk and make an informed decision.

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  • Your decision on the girl is quite important at this nip in time. Being a minor, parental position and guidance is necessary. Furthermore, having the... girl on commercial is not a new thing. The world is used to that but there must be protection on the child's future. I will suggest that the child should be supported to do it if it's morally and culturally acceptable. more

  • Let Daddy give a chance to a child to work 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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  • I would let the child go but then I enroll as the child’s manager to keep check on the rolls she/he is given. That’s if we need the extra income.

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  • I would let the child go but then I enroll as the child’s manager to keep check on the rolls she/he is given. That’s if we need the extra income.

  • No. I wouldnt

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  • Questions to Ask Yourselves
    Is this a one-time opportunity or a step toward something ongoing?

    What kind of commercial is it? (A national ad for a... toy vs. a local ad for a dentist are very different in exposure.)

    Can you negotiate terms like how her name is used, or if her identity is somewhat protected?

    Are you prepared to support her emotionally if she gets criticism or attention afterward?
     more

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  • Here's a breakdown of the main aspects to consider:

    ✅ Potential Positives
    Financial Opportunity: Commercial work often pays well, and you could save... that money for your daughter's future (education, etc.).

    Experience: If she’s genuinely interested in performing, this could be a safe, short-term way to explore it.

    Confidence Building: Being on set can build skills like public speaking, patience, and teamwork.

    ⚠️ Real Concerns
    Privacy & Exposure: Even one commercial can make a child recognizable. Depending on the brand and how it's aired, that could lead to unwanted attention.

    Long-Term Impact: Some kids end up tying their self-worth to fame or external approval. That’s hard to undo.

    Parental Disagreement: Your husband’s opposition isn’t something to brush aside. If both parents aren’t aligned, it could lead to resentment or conflict down the road.

    Agency & Consent: Even though your daughter wants to do it, she’s 8—she may not fully grasp what public exposure means in the long ter
     more

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  • Is she going to have any lines or just walk by in the background as an extra? It's possible she may not even be seen for more than a moment. Fame... doesn't come over night. I was on TV way back when I was in college as a reoccurring extra on the comedy Cental show Stangers with Candy and the only people who recognized me and said something to me like "I saw you TV" were a couple of friends of mine...Strangers weren't walking up to me like hey, aren't you that guy that said What are you talking about to Jeri? The majority of the world won't remember her or care. Let her have her 5 second of fame. Why not? more

  • Game doesn’t come from one commercial.
    Why does she want to do it? Is she an aspiring actor or does it just sound like fun?

  • Aee Matt Babbs comment ⬆️