Some kids just seem to have that special something that companies like Macy's, Toys R US, Hasbro, Seventeen Magazine, Girls Life Magazine, Parents Magazine, J.C Penney's, Vogue Magazine, Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie and Fitch, MTV and Disney are looking for. Is there any company that doesn't use child models? Their smiling faces seem to appear everywhere -- on the grocery shelves, on TV, in magazines and newspapers -- even on toilet tissue, suntan lotion and baby food!

Take a look at the magazine rack the next time you are in line at Wal-Mart or Kroger. Is your child on that magazine cover? Should s/he be? Could s/he be?

Hopefully this lens will help you sort through the questions and find your answer as to whether your child should be the next child super model.

1. Take lots of pictures having them to assume different poses "just for fun." As a child super model they'll have to love posing and not mind holding that pose for a few moments at a time.

2. Research, research, research! You need to know what you're getting into. Go to the library, use Internet search engines and buy books on modeling and photography so you'll know what the business is all about. Don't go into child modeling blindly. If you do, you and your child will get burned or scammed.

3. Don't fall for flattery. Some so called modeling agencies will pile on the flattery and then, while you're basking in the glory of how beautiful your child is, they'll begin the relationship by telling you there'll be an "up front" fee in order to use their services. NO! a reputable modeling agency does not take money up front. They make their money from commissions that they earn from getting your child modeling jobs. Their fees are anywhere from 10 - 20% depending on the agency.

4. Take good, clean photographs of your child when you go to the agency. If they feel you should have professional photographs made they will tell you but never, never, never pay them for the photographs. Remember this: children change fast. If you have professional photos made this week they will be redundant in less than 3 months. If the agency wants you to have professional photographs made ask them why. Chances are they have a job in mind, but even so, your amature photos will probably be just fine.

5. Don't be scammed. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. There are hundreds of scam artists in the child modeling business. Avoid them.