I entered Cohen into the annual Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Baby Contest and found out this isn't for me. Here are the top 5 reasons why I am not ready to be a stage mom.
#5 Not my kind of competitionAs I walked into the Senior Citizen Center, I looked around and saw moms dolling their kids all up. I mean I definitely dressed Cohen up cute and did his hair, but I didn't bring any extra hairspray or gel to add if needed. I am used to the competition where it is okay to be dirty once you start, but this isn't how baby contests (aka Toddlers and Tiaras) go apparently.
#4 Too Stressful
Who can handle the stress of these competitions. I am told to meet my sister there at 3:15 which is 15 minutes before it starts. I get a call at 3:00 (while I am still debating on what Cohen is going to wear) from Jamie wondering where I am. I didn't know I needed to be there an additional 15 minutes early to the 3:15 time. Once I got there, I had to register Cohen. Apparently they have a line for people like me trying to fill out their registration form while in line and a line for the true stage moms who knew to pre-register. Then I had to figure out where to go first. The paper says to see the judges first, but everyone (Stage Moms) knows you head straight for the photo op. Luckily, my sister knew the ropes and took us to see the photographer.
#3 Parents
Another reason why I can't be a stage mom is because of the parents. I saw one mom practically pinching her son trying to get him to laugh for the judges. I figure if it takes abuse to get Cohen to perform, then it is not worth it.
#2 Practice
Let's be honest. What parent has the time to practice performing for judges with their kids? I know I don't. Between taking care of the house, working full-time, and chasing Cohen, I can't take on another thing. I looked around and saw several kids who knew how to work the judges and score a 10 on personality. My little man was more worried about how to make a break for the door then batting his eyes for the judges.
#1 Adorable Child DOES NOT perform under pressure
This is the number one reason why I will not be a stage mom! Cohen is so full of it and has the craziest personality. Those qualities are the only reasons why I even entered him. I thought he will be his silly self and show the sweet judges why he should win. NO WAY! Cohen wouldn't even acknowledge the two ladies. He kept running for the exit! Maybe next year he will learn to be a performer!
