Raising Kids in the Entertainment Industry: The Pros, the Cons, and Our Unconventional Journey

Las Cruces International Film Festival - April, 2023.

When your kid tells you they want to be an actor, musician, or filmmaker, it can spark a mix of both excitement and panic. You want to support their dreams, but you also know the industry is tough, unpredictable, and full of highs and lows.

For me, raising two kids who want to be in the entertainment industry has been an adventure and honestly, one of the greatest gifts that parenthood has given me since this also happens to be where my passions lie. The off decision to get River involved in an online play at the tender age of seven is one that has shaped our entire lifestyle and trajectory.

Between homeschooling, navigating auditions, and living in a rural town in New Mexico, we’ve had to get creative. But here’s the thing: when you have kids who are deeply passionate about storytelling, acting, or music, you find a way to make it work.

The Pros of Having Kids in the Industry

1. They Learn Resilience Early On

Rejection is a HUGE part of the game. The earlier kids learn that “no” doesn’t mean “never,” the better equipped they are to handle life in general. We have adopted the mindset of “audition and let it go” — and it has helped not only the kids, but me personally to remember that it’s a huge deal just to get that initial audition. When my son or daughter get a callback, it’s definitely a celebration. When they don’t, we talk about how even the best actors don’t book everything.

2. Unique Learning Experiences

From being on set to understanding contracts, kids in entertainment gain real-world experience that most people don’t get until adulthood. My kids are learning how to be professional, have time management, and work with a variety of people. These are skills that translate into any career. Acting in particular teaches kids how to have confidence in themselves, public speaking, and reading body language. Pretty awesome traits I wish I would have learned at a younger age.

3. Amazing Networking Opportunities

Even though we live in a small town, we’re constantly meeting directors, casting agents, acting coaches, crew and other actors who open doors to new opportunities. The industry is all about relationships, and starting young helps kids build a solid foundation, especially when they have multiple interests in the entertainment industry.

For example, my son learned that he absolutely LOVED the audio technician’s job on our last shoot. He took him aside and showed him the ins and out of capturing great audio. That is something River will remember for the rest of his life.

4. Financial Potential

First and foremost, we never entered the entertainment industry for financial gain. And when you’re starting off, you will spend A LOT more money than you will make. Period. There’s acting lessons, travel, hotels, meals, gas…So, even if your kid books a national commercial or a role on a big production, it CAN be life-changing, but there is a lot of responsibilty and expenses that comes with that.

As a parent, it’s my job to make sure that the kids have all of their finances in order, and once they officially earn their first paycheck, it then becomes a job and they have to treat it as such (Professionalism on set, make sure they know their lines, cues, blocking, etc.). We always focus on the craft first, money second. Money is an added bonus.

River as “Joshua” on “Big Sky Season 3”. Episode 11, Super Foxes.

The Cons of Pursuing an Entertainment Career Young

1. The Emotional Toll

While resilience is a plus, constant auditions and rejections can wear the kids down. I have to check in often and make sure my kids still enjoy the process (especially River, since he has been doing this longer and now that he is getting older, I know interests can change). The moment it feels like a job he doesn’t want, we take a step back and reevaluate.

2. Unpredictable Schedules

Auditions come in at random times. Shoots can be last-minute. Heck, we had two different auditions last summer while we were on vacation out of town for a week (you better make sure you have a good audition set up for on the go!) This is why traditional school doesn’t work for us. Homeschooling gives us the flexibility to say “yes” to opportunities without sacrificing education.

3. Living in a Rural Area Means More Travel

We don’t live in LA or Atlanta, so when something big comes up, we have to travel no matter what. That means long drives and a lot of logistical planning. But New Mexico’s film industry has been growing, and the state’s film incentives mean more productions are shooting here (thankfully). So, while we may not be in a major hub, we’re in a great place for film work.

Why Homeschooling Works for Us

If my kids were in a traditional school, we’d be constantly pulling them out for auditions and shoots, which would be extremely disruptive. Homeschooling allows us to create a flexible schedule that balances both education and his career.

A “normal” homeschool day (when we are home long enough for normal days") runs from 9 AM to noon, leaving afternoons open for auditions, rehearsals, and creative projects. It also means that we can travel for work without stressing about school attendance (yes please). Plus, my kids get to learn in a way that fits them—whether that’s reading scripts, watching films for educational purposes, or even writing their own stories. That all gets incorporated and counts towards their schooling as well.

Headshots for River and Skylar. February, 2025.

Living in a Film-Friendly State

New Mexico’s film incentives are a huge advantage. Productions come here specifically because of the financial benefits, which means more job opportunities without needing to relocate. We’ve seen Netflix and major film studios invest in the state, and that’s opened up real possibilities for local talent.

For parents raising kids in entertainment, location matters. While LA is still the epicenter, more and more productions are filming outside of California. We’re proof that you don’t have to live in a major city to get opportunities—you just have to be willing to work for them.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Every family’s journey is different, and the entertainment industry isn’t for everyone. But if your child has that undeniable spark—the one that makes them light up when they’re on stage, on set, or in front of a camera—it’s worth exploring.

For us, the pros outweigh the cons. It’s not always easy, but it’s an adventure. And isn’t that what life is all about?