When I was pregnant, we used to watch all these shows that come on TLC, like I Didn't Know I was Pregnant, A Baby Story, etc. One of the shows that came on that I pretty much refused to watch was Toddlers and Tiaras.

We used to joke about how when my daughter was born, I'd have to get her some frilly dresses and put her in those pageants and stuff, but in reality there is no way I would ever put my daughter in one of those shows.

When I think of the word SMILE, I immediately think of those mothers who put their daughters in those pageants and how spoiled those kids are that compete. They spend time, energy and money to, in my opinion, live their dreams through their children and I don't understand why or how they could do that. Also, I thought of Michael Caine in the movie Miss Congeniality where he tells Sandra Bullock's character that he doesn't care what she does as long as she remembers to SMILE.

The mall near my house does little talent search/pageant things once in a while. The last time I was there, they had a 3 DAY OLD baby. WHAT. That's unnecessary, really. I don't understand what compels these parents to put tiny babies in those pageants. My daughter is 3 weeks old and it's hard enough to change her diaper and find clothes that fit her as it is, I can't see how these parents can spend that extra time and energy getting these kids ready for pageants and spending tons of money on clothes, hair and makeup, especially in this rough economy.

But really, could anyone really give me any REALLY GOOD reasons as to why kids should be put in beauty pageants? I don't think there are really many valid reasons. I don't think pageants are the place for kids to learn self-respect. She can learn self-confidence other ways, like playing sports or doing well in school. I have plenty of self-confidence without having worn dresses and costumes when I was a little girl.

Why would I never put my daughter in one of those pageants? I think she should learn to respect herself for who she is not what she looks like or what kind of "talents" she has. She's going to have a tough time growing up as it is, because her dad isn't around and I know that's going to have some effect on her. There's no need for her to parade around in a frilly $3000 dress, smiling like a crazy person. Plus, I just don't have the energy for that!

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