Being a Momager: 4 Tips on Managing Your Daughter’s Pageant Journey

NAM State Finalist Blayne Brown is exciting about winning her optional contests and placing 2nd RU in her first pageant.



1. Get her a coach.  Girls who are winning state and national titles have at least one coach, whether it be her mom, teacher, or a more formal type of coach.  Is it possible to win a title without a hired coach?  Sure!  When the contestant is self-motivated, dedicated by putting hours of time to practice, an above average researcher, and has an amazing platform, it is possible. I have seen this happen on several occasions, but in many more instances, the girls getting crowned happen to be the ones who have a dedicated person or team of individuals facilitating her success.

NAM National finalist Damacia Howard poses with her parents at NAM Nationals.

2. Help your daughter create a winning platform. A platform is an issue or cause that the contestant chooses to donate her time in an effort to serve others or bring awareness to a problem. It’s no coincidence that winning contestants are actively involved in their communities. Moms will be a driving force in a contestant’s involvement in community service, programs, or causes. Help her get closer to the crown by helping her develop an amazing platform.

Amirah Griffin and her mom pause for a pose while delivering blankets collected for the homeless. Amirah placed 2nd RU to the National American Miss All-American Pre-Teen Title in 2015.

NAM Miss Fulton County PreTeen Damacia Howard poses with children she read to at the Ronald McDonald House.

NAM Miss Texas Teen 2013 Bria Jones promoting her platform at a community event
Amirah Griffin representing her state as she volunteers at a local event

3. Nurture and support her talents. Does your daughter love to sing, dance, act, or have a knack for performing in front of a crowd? Get her some private lessons, or enroll her in classes that will strengthen and develop her skills!  Let her be a member of her school’s cheer or drill team. Yes, it costs money and that is to be expected. But smart moms know the value of nurturing talents and will overcome obstacles to make it happen.

Amirah Griffin at her dance competition


4.  Allow opportunities to strengthen her communication skills.  First, get her actively involved in her school, church, clubs, and organizations. In addition, seek out or create opportunities within those arenas for her to speak as much as possible. Could she present the morning announcements at school or church?  She could recite the Pledge of Allegiance at your local school board or city council meeting. She can read to children at your local school or home. Set up an interview with your local newspaper or TV program to talk about her platform. Give her a speech to recite at your church’s next program or event. She should be speaking as much as possible. This builds confidence and communication skills, both key ingredients in capturing the crown.

NAM Miss Fulton County Pre Teen Damacia Howard being interviewed at the 24th Annual Trumpet Awards

Miss Fulton County Pre Teen Damacia Howard served as hostess at the 24th Annual Trumpet Awards

Bria Jones speaks about her platform at a local conference for girls in her community

Hopefully these 4 tips will get you started on the right foot in preparing for your next pageant. If you have questions or comments, please post them below!


Envision your reign.

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