Pageant Mom Newbies: 5 Tips on Navigating Your Daughter's First Pageant


Emery after she competed in her state pageant


You may have participated in pageants when you were younger.  Or, your only experience with pageants may have been watching the infamous 'Toddlers & Tiaras' on television.  


 You may have finally given in to your daughter's one-hundred and twenty ninth request to enter a pageant. Whatever the case, your daughter's first pageant journey can be daunting for everyone involved.  Start paving your way to success by reading these simple tips.  Here are my top 5 tips for new pageant moms:

1. Ask a lot of questions.  
Use anyone in your circle as a resource and inquire specific questions on getting started.  If there is no pageant pro in your circle, don't worry.  You'll soon be initiated into to the pageant mom sorority as your journey progresses.  In the meantime, call the pageant director or the head offices with a list of your top questions.  They are ultimately your most reliable resource.

2. Research.
In this age of information, the world is at your fingertips!  While you're sitting in the carpool line or at the nail salon, whip out your device and start 'Trollin' & Scrollin'"!  Start with social media handles such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.  Go to the Pageant system's web page and begin to learn it inside and out.  Google articles, blogs, news, etc., written on the pageant system you're entering. Learn what the pageant system is all about--their mission, goals, image.  Do the Troll & Scroll with a critical yet open-minded eye.  Do this early and often.  Soon, you'll become well versed in the fascinating world of pageantry.

3. YouTube.
YouTube is going to serve as one of the most instrumental points of information in your pageant journey.  Just search the name of the pageant system you're entering and see what pops up.  Content about anything from individual subscribers who've posted tutorials (based on their personal experience) on various aspects of competition like this one on how to be successful in the National American Miss Pageant to actual videos of the pageant itself.  Start scrollin'!



4.  Be optimistic and Stay Positive!
The number one thing that will hamper success is a negative, cynical attitude.  Know that there is a bit of a learning curve to becoming a 'Pageant Mom'.  You won't do everything perfectly or 'right' the first time, and you'll make mistakes from time to time.  Just learn from them and move on. The good news is, that as you learn, you'll get better at the game of pageantry. Enjoy the experience.





5. Stay Organized.
One key to staying sane in this crazy new dynamic of your life is to stay organized.  You will want to have a binder or file of anything pageant related.  Once you pay your entry fee, you're bound to be barraged with very important mailers and you'll want to have them readily available to you.  Take lots of pictures and file them in a separate folder on your hard drive.  Don't just leave them on your phone or camera (try not to, at least).  Trust me, these images will come in handy when it comes time to document or reflect upon your marvelous and successful journey ahead in pageantry.

-Envision Your Reign

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