Whining babies, sparkling sparkles, outrageous mothers….. All part of the TLC show Toddlers & Tiaras, a pageant show on television that showcases youth in the limelight of fashion, fake nails, fake accessories, and even fake teeth.

Personally, I do not believe in a show that is about  moms who were never able to take part of pageants, or moms who outgrew their glory days.  Worst of all, this show exploits young children in scantily sequined covered bikinis and show-girl costumes. The youngest child who has been broadcast on this show is three years of age and the oldest contestant is 10 years of age.  Every few weeks or so, the child is spray tanned, has fake acrylics placed on her fingers and possibly toes, and may even have fake teeth inserted in  her mouth.

Some  children have told their parents they don’t want to do pageants anymore.  What mom forces her child to do something she does not want to do? Pageant moms do.

Some people may argue that this show should be canceled on television.  Others disagree and say that it should be kept on television because it’s pure entertainment. Here’s a side note to those who call this pure entertainment:  you are praising a show that creates drama queens out of little children who learn to be competitive and to degrade other competitiors.

The only positive aspect of this show is the reality check of what the pageant life, television, and parents do to young children. The example these parents are setting for their children is that there will always be other pageants or that the only way to get through life is to be caught up with outward appearances, no matter what the cost.