A Mother's Perspective

My daughter, Peyton, proudly won the title of Pre-Teen American Nation at the 2025 National Finals. I wanted to share my perspective as a pageant mom.

Being a pageant mom was never on my radar when Peyton was little. I was a dancer and cheerleader and hoping she would follow in my footsteps. She did not. However, she has found her own interests as she’s grown into a wonderful young girl. She came to us (her parents) during the pandemic at the age of 5 asking to be in a beauty contest that she saw in a cartoon show she liked. The instant response was “oh, honey no” and we laughed it off. She kept asking. I competed in one pageant at the age of three and won a high title, so I told my husband to let me do some research because not all pageants are over-the-top fake teeth, hair pieces, thousand dollar wardrobes, etc. I just needed to learn more and if they were available near New England, which is not exactly the pageant capital of the U.S.

We found a natural pageant system and she instantly fell in love. Through that system we have tried a few different systems, usually on the recommendations of pageant friends or her coaching team. After a few years, Peyton really found she liked modeling and the scholarship style pageant, a little less showy, which is totally her style. She didn’t like having to do a big routine on stage, she once told me “the outfit should be the show with me as the star”. I just love her…

I stumbled across Miss American Nation and its sister systems through a holiday pageant search. We were unable to attend the 2024 Holiday pageant but I saw they had a national pageant here in New England, so we registered. Peyton was slightly apprehensive as her usual pageant pals weren’t joining her at this one, but let me tell you, that apprehension went away quickly. The moment we entered and joined their social media group, she instantly felt accepted, loved, and part of something special. Arriving at Nationals was no different. SHe was greeted with a hug from one of the directors, like old friends. In the dressing room, everyone was quick to greet each other and it felt comfortable for us.

Here’s the big takeaway as a mom that made me spend the time to write this. As there weren’t as many younger girls there I was nervous she would be singled out or left out of the camaraderie. She was not. The women competing were so fun and relaxed and treated her as just one of the gals, which she loved. I also had my two year-old daughter in tow for the weekend, who is a non-stop force to be reckoned with. The pageant girls, other moms, directors, and even the photographer were so supportive and helpful when the little one wanted to be on stage at all times, and perhaps had many meltdowns when she couldn’t. One of our pageant sisters even held her for me so I could focus on Peyton while she was on stage, which I so greatly appreciated. 

Peyton was surrounded by absolutely wonderful women who I would want to be her pageant role models. Women who work, have fun, do community service, and represent all sorts of unique talents and interests, just like Peyton. I’ve never had a system be some close and supportive, as I feel a pageant family should be. 

This is getting long, but what it comes down to, as a mom with a child in pageantry, there are great systems out there. If you’re looking for a top-notch one, this one is it! Peyton is excited to reign as Pre-Teen for the next year and is working on her own platform she wants to create. And who knows, maybe our little toddler tornado will be on stage at a future pageant as well!

From your Pre-Teen, Peyton, and a grateful pageant mom, thank you Miss Debbie and Miss Elizabeth, and the rest of our ANP family! Written by, Sarah

Introducing your Pre Teen American Nation- Peyton.