I just received a fax today about an Amarillo toddler who will participate in a national beauty pageant.

I apologize to all the parents who work hard and spend their money on all that's required to enter a child in these pageants, but 18 months is just too young for something like this. They have no idea what's going on and in some cases they are intimidated by being the only one on stage with the lights shining on her.

Adults may think it's cute when the child starts to cry or misses their mark or wanders off stage, but I find it less than cute. Let the child grow up a little.