My 13-year-old was "scouted" at the local mall for a teen modeling and acting program. They want us to pay $1,500 for a weekend bootcamp and a professional portfolio shoot. Is this how the entertainment industry actually works, or is this just an expensive confidence-building course for teenagers?

We did one of these programs when my daughter was struggling with middle school awkwardness. She didn’t become a famous model, but learning how to walk into a room, do her own makeup, and speak clearly really helped her self-esteem. Just manage your expectations about moving to Hollywood.