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Parents' Guide to

Little Miss Perfect

By Anne Louise Bannon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Show on controversial contests has generally tame content.

TV WE Reality TV 2009
Little Miss Perfect Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 10 parent reviews

eves90
eves90 Adult
June 3, 2011
age 18+

Hilarious but sad scene

I am a psychologist. I watch this show purely to analyse the situation. The idea that a mother would dress her child up in things that you rarely even see adult women wear(ie. like a mini prostitute) is appalling. It's basically peadophile heaven, not to mention what it teaches their children to value. Some of these people do not even have a cent to their name, yet they are spending thousands on dresses and flippers. hello......how about hoping for a better future for your children, save for a college fund. I have also noticed that most of these parents are often insecure, personality disorders, living through their children. Hilarious to watch though
mystery2012
mystery2012 Adult
May 9, 2011
age 2+

Disturbing on so many levels

Ok so I am 25 years old, don't have any kids of my own but I could say straight out my kid would not be part of this. These girls are 4 to 10 years old.. do you know what chemical tan spraying, hair sprays and especially make up does to ppl's skin? Why would you want to start damaging your child's flawless natural beauty with all that crap making them look much older than they really are? All that doesn't make them look pretty, it is just disturbing. Parents have a huge influence on their kids and when they cheer for their daughters looking like sluts, performing adult moves and dances on the stage makes me concerned. All I can say is that if those girls will keep doing what they are doing.. nothing good will come out of it and by the time they are 20 they won't look as good as they should.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Each episode of LITTLE MISS PERFECT focuses on two families whose young daughters are vying for the titular pageant crown. The cameras capture all of the people involved, from the girls to their parents to the judges. Parents lose it over lost hairspray, and the girls get sassy, but overall, the idea is to present pageants as a family activity in which winning is nice, but not the only reason to compete.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (6 ):

The show's storytelling is simple and direct, without narration. And the creators don't seem to be making any value judgements -- they're there to document, not exploit.

Bottom line? The show is a basic, reasonably well-done look at this unique (and sometimes controversial) world. f you're already interested in child pageants, you'll probably find it much more enjoyable than you would otherwise -- just beware of the cheesy song that the pageant director sings at the end of each contest, right before the crowning.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why child beauty pageants are considered controversial. What makes them different than pageants for older contestants?

  • How do you think participating in (or just watching) these competitions impacts kids?

  • Parents, ask your kids whether they think documentaries showing these kinds of pageants are a good way to explore the topic.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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