WHY IT MATTERS
Children who regularly appear in family content may begin to feel expected to entertain, react, smile or participate whenever the camera appears. When family income, audience expectations or upload schedules depend on their participation, saying no can become increasingly difficult.
1. MAKE PARTICIPATION OPTIONAL
Children should be able to decide that they don’t want to appear.
2. ACCEPT NO IMMEDIATELY
Refusal shouldn’t lead to guilt, persuasion, anger or punishment.
3. DON’T DEMAND REACTIONS
Children shouldn’t have to look excited, surprised or happy because the camera needs a reaction.
4. AVOID ENDLESS RETAKES
Ordinary family experiences shouldn’t become repeated performances.
5. DON’T SCRIPT PERSONALITY
Children shouldn’t be expected to play exaggerated versions of themselves.
6. KEEP PLAY AS PLAY
Games, hobbies and family activities shouldn’t automatically become filming opportunities.
7. WATCH FOR CAMERA FATIGUE
Irritation, avoidance and withdrawal may indicate that a child has had enough.
8. DON’T MAKE CHILDREN RESPONSIBLE FOR VIEWS
Channel performance is an adult responsibility.
9. CREATE CAMERA-FREE DAYS
Children need substantial periods when filming simply isn’t happening.
10. LET CHILDREN WALK AWAY
Participation should be something they can end, not an obligation they must fulfil.
BOTTOM LINE
A child should never feel responsible for entertaining an audience or keeping the family channel successful.