So you want your child to be a model?

Yes, your child is cute. But the world of child modelling isn’t always that pretty.

I’ve never wanted my children to be child models. I wanted to preserve their innocence. I didn’t want to put them to work, so to speak. They could be cute and photogenic, at home.

Then I had my daughter and photos like this led me to change my mind.

She has a light inside of her and I wanted to share that with the world. I wanted to see her modelling clothes and in catalogues playing with toys. My family has had the chance to participate in film shoots for work so I knew she would be capable of doing what would be asked for her.

I started researching. How could I find an agency that would look after her, that would find her the right kind of work and that would be thoroughly professional?

I soon realised I'd have to tread very, very carefully.

It turns out a huge number of parents think their children have what it takes to 'make it'. And, who knows where it would lead? TV commercials, movies, fame, fortune, stardom...then the world would share our belief that our child is special.

There is an entire industry that feeds off those beliefs, but only a handful of agencies that will actually do the right thing by you.

I heard shocking stories of demand for money up front, demands for professional photos organised by the agency that turned out to be terrible, promises of work and then nothing but a silent phone, jobs that don't look after your child properly with too long hours and an unpleasant environment.

Caterina is almost five. I don't want her to experience a second of discomfort and pain. We'd only ever be involved in child modelling as long as she had fun. If she hated it, then she'd never have to do it again.

Here's what to look out for when finding the right agency for your child:

* Visit the agency. Never do everything by phone or email. Five seconds after you walk in and two seconds after you meet the staff you will know if they are the right fit for you.

* Consider which photos of your children you're happy for them to use. Caterina will not be doing underwear or children's bikinis. Make sure you have to sign off on everything.

* Stay with your child at all times. You know your child best. It's not good enough to book the job, arrive on set then spend the time on your iPhone or reading a book. You need to be attentive to your child's moods. Only you know when they are tired, hungry, thirsty or will need the bathroom soon;

* Don't let yourself be harassed by agencies. Just because you contacted them doesn't mean they can stalk you. NOT INTERESTED, STOP CALLING PLEASE. Some agencies will try to lure you with false promises about jobs and belief in your children's abilities.

* Know the difference between an agency that trains kids and those that find them work. Just ask.

* You do not need a professional portfolio to get your child started. Happy snaps and meeting suffice. You will accumulate enough shots to create your child's 'book' through actual jobs;

* "No studio fees" doesn't always mean photography sessions are free, it means the prints will be incredibly expensive;

* If they tell you your child isn't suitable, don't take it personally. They are doing you a favour. They are either not the right agency for your child or child modelling isn't right for your child. It's not just about looks, it's about temperament too;

* If you think your child has potential to do public work consider other avenues like singing, dancing, music, TV presenting. Child modelling isn't for every child.

* You are interviewing the agency as much as they are interviewing you. Are you comfortable with them? Ask lots of questions and most importantly, ask to speak to other parents about their experiences;

* Do some research. How long has the agency been around, which clients do they represent, are they affiliated with any other organisations;

* If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If they try and guarantee you work, something is off;

* If they ask for your credit card details, get the hell out of there.

Has your child ever been a child model? What has your experience been like?