Topic : 08/14 Trouble in the Spotlight

I'm not a major fan of these pageants either, but to each there own!  And if done in moderation then who am I to say it couldn't be a good thing for a child. But I do have to disagree with you,  nothing this other poster says exemplifies any of the things you said of her to be.  And how can you make a judgement about another person like that, of someone you know nothing about?  Who are you to judge? I feel some people are so strong in their convictions or opinions, that even when someone can give a valid debate on the opposite opinion, they are too blind to see it, and when they can't come back with anything to equal it, they lash out and start to place labels and call names.  And from someone who's been around for a LONG time, I have come to learn that the labels we blindly place on others, only shows the type of person we are ashamed to be!!   

Child labor laws should apply to these events. They generate revenue for someone ... and it's on the backs of these kids. 

Dear Hollie.  Hunter is indeed an adorable boy!  I got a kick out of the "singing in the rain".  Take care. 

Julie 

Dear Dr. Phil, 

        I truly find it repulsive that a mother could have her daughter where false teeth and  

get spray on tans at 8 years old.  The more I looked at the child's picture the more I saw  

the face of BARBIE.  What kind of world are we living in when a parent willingly encourages  

a child to do these things.  What kind of message is it sending when winning is everything? 

And beauty is key to getting to the top.  What ever happened to hard work and dedication? 

      I agree with the mothers sister whole heartedly about the dangers of the Internet photos 

and such.  why would you willingly put your child in harms way??  I think the mother just needs  

to go get a new Barbie and let her daughter be a kid.  Lord knows they grow up way to fast  

these days... 

 I was surprised that Dr. Phil didn't bring up the point of a person's developing "personal reality" and being your "authentic" self.  It's so critical.  Thank you for honing in on that important point. 

I really think that these child pagents should be banned----completely.  These parents, like Bonnie, love to give the appearance that it's the child that really wants to be in these pagents when we all know that it's the MOTHERS that are pushing them to do this.  Bonnie said that if her daughter told her tomorrow that she didn't want to do the pagents any more, then "we would stop."  Bullcrap.  You said on the show that you've "invested ALOT of time and money in these pagents" and that you expect her to act accordingly while on stage because you "don't think that's too much to ask."  So Bonnie, if you're getting upset because your daughter isn't behaving the way you think she should before she goes on stage, do you actually think that anyone believes that you wouldn't be furious and angry with your daughter if she wanted to quit? 

I was shocked when I saw pictures of your daughter and your excuses were the same pathetic ones that Patsy Ramsey would mouth when people openly questioned her about dressing her daughter like a prostitute.  Patsy Ramsey said "....it's only a few highlights in her hair" or "..it's only a little bit of mascara."  You sound the exact same way.  Your daughter looks like a prostitute thanks to you.    The fact that your sister and your mother both are disgusted with the way she looks speaks volumes and it's something you should listen to. 

When my daughter was 5 years old, we were approached one day by an agent wanting me to consider entering her in a beauty pagent.   Because of her extraordinary prettiness (long blonde hair and large blue-violet eyes) he thought she'd be a winner.  I'm sure he tells everyone that.  I refused his offer because I do not want to subject my daughter to heavy make up, sleazy clothes, fake tans and false teeth before the age of 6.   I wanted her to be a NORMAL little girl who gets scrapes and cuts and bruises.  I don't want her to think that her looks counts for more than personality.  Teaching her to help others, being kind and charitable count far more than looks. 

You need to re-think your position.  Quit pretending that this is something your daughter wants-----it's YOU who wants this and it is extremely selfish of you.  

I just saw the show about putting your children in the spotlight and I just had to respond to Ranel and her obsession with Brooklyn being a star.  I have no problem with her wanting to gain fame for her daughter but I object to her doing it at the expense of her other, younger daughter.  While watching her on the show, I saw no regard whatsoever for her younger daughter's feelings.  Her concern was trying to find a way to make sure Brooklyn became a star and saving her marriage at the same time.  If I missed something and didn't see the concern she showed for her younger daughter, I apologize.  But I would say to Ranel if she has believed all of Brooklyn's life that this child is going to be a star and has devoted her life to that purpose, then she shouldn't have brought another child into this world to neglect and leave with a negative self image. 

Thank you Dr. Phil and I just LOVE your show!!!! 

Oh pu-lease, who are you trying to kid??  Motorcycle racers are ADULTS!!  Would you let a 5 year old get behind the wheel of a monster truck or motorcycle?  No??  Gee why not??  Maybe because they're for ADULTS??  Here's a clue:  heavy make-up, false teeth, wigs, flashy sleezy clothes are for ADULTS----not children. 

This is NOT "just a hobby" so don't give me that crap.  Its a sick obsession by the mothers who are trying to live their lives through their daughters and they don't care what it does to them.