There have been a number of instances where great young actors have been "passed over" for work because it is widely known that their parents can be a difficult influence on a set.
A movie or television set is an extremely busy, stressful place where the majority of people there are under duress either because of time constraints, creative demands or what have you. Under most circumstances, a set wouldn't exactly the best place for a kid.
However, the fact is that it is also a lot of fun to be in front of the camera and there are great roles for kids and young adults that wouldn't work without them. So, to be sure that your child gets to take part in this world, here are some tips to consider that will not only protect your child, but also protect how they (and you) are perceived by those around him/her:
Tip #1 - Stay Out of The Way
It's fine to watch your child as they act their way to stardom and to be proud of their efforts. But the people that surround the camera and monitors are there for a reason and they each have a job to do. So, stand back and let them do what needs to be done to make your child's performance the best it can be.
Now, that doesn't mean stand idly by if your child is being put into a dangerous situation or into a morally compromising position that you're uncomfortable with. It just means that while your child is performing, let those who are working behind the scenes do their jobs.
Tip #2 - Be Accomodating
Again, this doesn't mean be a wet rag and roll over to every whim of the director or producer, but more often than not, the choices that are made on set are made to ensure that the final product is the best quality it can be. So, try not to stand in the way of that.
Tip #3 - Be On Time
Nothing is more problematic than parents who are not responsible enough to make sure that their children are on the set on time. It costs a lot of money to keep a production waiting, and there have been plenty of instances where children have been fired for doing so.
Tip #4 - The World Does NOT Revolve Around Your Child
I'm a Dad, so I know the world revolves around my daughter. But, that's an attitude I keep at home and so should you. You shouldn't be approaching the writer or director to make suggestions on how you can have your child be included in more scenes or featured better. This is not your decision to make and it can ultimately cost your child in the long run.
Tip #5 - Be Protective
This might sound somewhat contradictory to what I've just mentioned above, but you need to be sure you protect your child. There are a number of producers/directors/writers out there who see children as a necessary evil. They don't know how to relate to kids, or understand that they are NOT adults. So, know when enough is enough. If your child isn't given the respect they deserve or even just treated well, you have to know when it's appropriate to walk.
Your child's health and welfare should come above anything else. If you notice your child is put into a dangerous situation, you have to step up as a parent and protect your child. Assume they don't know any better to speak up for themselves. Even if they resist, you are the parent and you need to act as such.
Tip #6 - Make Sure it's THEIR Dream Not Yours
It's all too common to see kids who have a half-hearted attitude toward acting, but the parents are adamant that they pursue it because it's their dream. Be careful here. It's really important that you check in with your child to make certain they're genuinely enjoying the process. Acting is extremely demanding and your child may think that by saying something they're potentially disappointing you. Learn to recognize this and act accordingly.
If your child isn't passionate about acting -- don't force it. Let them make this decision for themselves.
Tip #7 - Never Take it Personally,
Lastly, your child will be rejected a LOT. This has nothing to do with them or their performance. It might have been that they weren't the right look, height, weight, color, etc. Never take it personally. Having a tirade in the audition room because they didn't pick your perfect little angel helps no one. Least of all your child.
Know that casting is a very subjective process and your child may or may not be selected on any number of factors. Take this into consideration and communicate this to your child. NEVER make your child feel that the failure was theirs. If they weren't prepared for a particular audition, make sure that they're passionate about what they're doing. If they aren't chosen for some other reason, reassure your child that it was not specific to them, but that the writer/director/producer knew in advance of what they are looking for and even though their performance might have been flawless, the ultimate decision was out of their control.
The right opportunities will come along one day -- reassure them of this. When it comes to child actors and stage moms, remember -- it's your responsibility to care for your child more than you care about their career.