Should Your Child Pursue Acting? An Honest Guide for Parents From Someone Who Grew Up in the Industry
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Kid acting is one of the most misunderstood parts of the entertainment industry. Parents often see successful young performers on TV and imagine the excitement, opportunity, and confidence that acting might give their children. But few people talk honestly about what it really looks like — emotionally, psychologically, and practically.
Dustin can speak to it in a way few can.
He was a kid actor himself.
He grew up in the industry.
And now, as a photographer who works with young performers regularly, he understands the full picture: the potential, the challenges, and the moments when acting can bring out the best — or the worst — in a child.
His perspective is straightforward:
Some kids are born for it.
Some kids absolutely should not be doing it.
And the difference is obvious the moment they step in front of a camera.
Kid Actors Don’t Always Understand What’s Expected of Them
Dustin uses an analogy many people hesitate to say out loud, but it’s accurate:
Being a kid actor can feel like being an animal in the circus.
Not because the child is being mistreated — but because they don’t fully understand the environment. They don’t grasp the goals, expectations, or pressures. They simply respond to what earns them praise, smiles, applause, or — in some cases — well-intended parental bribery.
Children naturally want to please the adults around them.
They want approval.
They want to do well.
But wanting to succeed isn’t the same as wanting to be an actor.
Half of Kid Actors Are Born for It — Half Are Not
According to Dustin, this split is very real.
The kids who are born for it:
Light up the moment they walk into the studio
Say “hi” with a natural confidence
Take direction well, even at a young age
Show emotional awareness far beyond their years
Love the process, not just the idea of being on TV
You can tell instantly — often within seconds — that they’re meant for on-camera work. Their personality, focus, and curiosity make them a great fit.
The kids who are not right for acting:
Feel anxious or overwhelmed
Don’t enjoy being in front of the camera
Only participate because a parent suggested it
Struggle with direction or lose interest quickly
Don’t connect with the process at all
These kids are not “less talented.”
They simply have different interests — and that is perfectly okay.
Forcing them to pursue acting because it seems exciting or profitable is harmful. It becomes, as Dustin says, like forcing them to be “an animal in the circus.”
The Hard Conversation Many Parents Need to Hear
One of the hardest parts of this job is the moment Dustin must be honest with a parent.
Sometimes he says:
“You’re a great person, but I think you may be living through your child. They’re not right for this — and that’s okay.”
It’s not meant to shame. It’s meant to protect.
Other times, he has to gently explain that the child’s interest in acting isn’t real — it’s something planted by the parent. Kids don’t always know what they want. They repeat ideas because they know it makes adults proud.
If a child is only lukewarm, acting quickly becomes:
Stressful
Confusing
Overwhelming
Emotionally draining
And that’s when parents must take a step back.
Kid Acting Should Never Be About Income
Dustin has seen families treat acting like a potential “side income.” And while acting can be financially rewarding, it should never be the reason a child enters the industry.
Children sense pressure — even subtle pressure.
If they feel like they have to perform to make money for the family, to impress adults, or to validate a parent’s investment, acting stops being fun. It becomes work, and not in a healthy way.
Kid acting should come from authentic enthusiasm, not expectation.
The Only Way to Know If Your Child Should Act
It’s simple:
They need to be the ones asking for it.
Not agreeing because you suggested it.
Not saying yes because it sounds cool.
Not repeating what they think you want to hear.
The desire must come from them.
Dustin recommends:
Let them try a class or on-camera workshop first.
See how they respond when they’re actually in the environment.
Only get headshots once they show genuine passion.
Only pursue representation if they remain excited, curious, and self-motivated.
If they leave the class smiling, asking questions, and wanting to return — that’s your sign.
If they dread it or don’t ask to go back — that’s your answer too.
Acting should spark joy, not pressure.
The Bottom Line: Make Sure They Love It
Children succeed in acting when:
They love performing
They enjoy the camera
They are emotionally ready
They can handle direction
They ask to participate
They feel supported, not pushed
Acting can be magical when it aligns with a child’s natural personality. But it becomes unhealthy when they’re doing it to make someone else happy.
Your role as a parent is not to shape them into an actor — it’s to listen, observe, and support who they already are.
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