Kiddie Reality Shows

I could never allow my kids to be on a reality television show. I think it would effect their psychological state because they lose the contest on television. How did you feel when you lost contests when you were a kid and then think about how it would have been if it were on television?

So far I have only seen one reality show with kids, and it was very scripted. Some of the kids were too young and the conditions a bit too harsh for them. They desperately missed their families. It makes you wonder, who wanted them to sign up for the show, the kids or the parents. I felt that some of them saw this as a way to maybe be a future star or something. Others were just utterly lost. Oh, and and I watched the family version of Amazing Race. There were a couple of kids on there. They took it too heart when they lost but competed very fair. Of course the parents were around, which helped consoling them and stuff. Still, I think, kids should be kept out of those situations. At least if they are younger than 12. The psychological impact seems to be great for the majority of them and I'm not sure they are really able to properly process their emotions even if the parents are present. As a parent, I would not let my child participate. In reality, the monetary compensation the child may or may not get is not worth it. And I don't think the reality shows are willing to soften the blow, because it would not make for good TV. They love tears, despair, backstabbing, and a likeable and smiling winner.