Barbara Klein, Ed.D.

So your child wants to be a star?
'American Idol' and other reality shows fuel kids' (and parents') dreams
BY LIZA N. BURBY / Special to Newsday / January 14, 2007

    With all the hype about the new reality show "Grease: You're the One That I Want" and another season of "American Idol," not to mention the Disney factory that unflaggingly churns out preteen stars, it's no wonder that many kids and teens get that starstruck gleam in their eyes and announce, "I want to be a star."
    But you only have to read news of child stars such as Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen to return to earth, because with few notable exceptions, stardom and childhood don't mix.
    "Children usually want to get involved in Broadway, TV and movies because they see it as fun," says Barbara Klein, author of Raising Gifted Kids: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Exceptional Child Thrive (AMACOM Books). "They don't have all the adult reasoning powers about what it really means, like not going to school with their peers, putting after-school activities on hold, maybe missing out on college, not to mention spending time in situations that may be too adult for them. The worst thing a parent can do is put a child onto center stage before they're emotionally ready. They may be talented, but may not have the social skills to deal with celebrity."
    The first thing to accept is that whether your child is attending dance, voice or acting classes -- or all three -- or traveling into the city for auditions, it's a commitment that affects the entire family.  Which is one of the reasons it's important to be clear about whom you're doing all this for, says Dr. Barbara Klein. "In many cases of child stars, they did it because the parents wanted them to," she says. "A parent has to know when to set limits, and any time it becomes overwhelming for the child, or you sense the child is doing it to please you, take a step back. Your child's pursuit of fame shouldn't be the focus of family life."

Read the entire article here:
http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/localguide/kids/ny-lskids0114,0,3293336,print.story?coll=ny-explore-kids-heads