Hello Everyone,

Has anyone ever experienced their child doing obnoxiuos behavior during an audition such as pretending to pick their nose or speaking in an annoying tone of voice? My child is SAG eligible, has booked a local commercial recently and has been in the business for about 5 years. I am not sure where this behavior is coming from and would like to know if this is common at this age. He has been talked to about this. I am very embarrassed and hope this is just a phase. Of course he thought this was funny, when clearly it was not and was a waste of everybody's time.

Sounds like he's acting like a 7 yr. old. If he doesn't understand how to behave in an audition setting, or doesn't want to, it may be time for a break.

It sounds to me also like he doesnt want to be there. Kids have an incredible ability to pick up on our emotions and I am sure he knows he is supposed to "behave" in an audition setting. He is pushing your buttons. This souinds like typical seven year old behavior letting you know he is totally not interested in doing what he is doing. When they dont know how to verbalize something properly, they act out.

I agree with actorsmommy and showbiz, it sounds like he he letting you know he's just not in to it right now and needs a break. I say take a break and not even talk auditions or anything. If he starts to miss it he'll let you know and at that time you can let him know what's expected of him if you start up again. To be honest, I'm don't think my 14 year old son would have been able to handle this stuff at 7 but he sure does love it now!

A break sounds like a good idea. Five years is a long time for any child to be doing anything. I have an 8 yr old and a 14 yr old. If you take him away from the biz, he's either going to be relieved or miss it. Either way, it's an open door to start talking about his commitment to it in the future.

Thanks guys. You are probably right about him needing to take a break. Although, we have only been on a few auditions over the summer. Now that I think about it from another point of view, he has probably been under a little stress just from our busy schedule with sports and starting up school.

You are a very good mother for even acknowledging the situation. Many parents get so caught up in the business that sometimes they forget that it is really about the child and what the child wants to do. Good for you for having the ability to question the situation and at least step back and survey things. Hopefully after a little break he will want to come back again and he'll be a trooper and book a lot. The more they enjoy the process, the more likley they are to book.