RE: LeAnn Rimes: "Follow The Money"

Once again the specter of a child suing their parent is in the news. This time it is LeAnn Rimes, the marvelously talented country singer who, at 17, is asking a Court to determine where the money went.

Who's the alleged culprit? Her own father.

Our hearts and our prayers go out to LeAnn. We understand. Far too many of our members have been through this.

Remember the ancient Arab saying? "Be careful what you wish for. It might come true."

This is what happens when a family's success is accomplished on the shoulders of a child.

Texas, like so many other States, has no law or regulation governing the affairs of professional children. Paul Petersen addressed the Dallas Bar Association on this topic just last October, urging his audience to realize that the then current tale of Dominique Moceannu in Houston was not an isolated event.

It is time for a total overhaul of the high-stress, big dollar environment being forced on children. Performers are getting younger and younger. The money is too tempting. It is time to put up some guardrails.

First and foremost, it is time for the rest of the nation to follow California's lead and plainly state that the money earned by a professional child belongs to the child who actually does the work. Strict limits on the amount parents can take for themselves, whether in fees or percentage, must be established. A mandatory, commonsense limit on the number of hours a child can be asked to work must come into existence. Education cannot be sacrificed. Trust accounts must become inviolate.

We are sick at heart that our warnings and cautions have gone unheeded. How many Poster Children do we need before America "gets it?"

Seven million dollars is a lot of money, but it is nothing compared to the value of a strong life-long bond between parent and child.

Absolute fame corrupts absolutely.

Take comfort, dear LeAnn, that this is survivable. Now as always, the members of "A Minor Consideration" are here for you. You don't have to explain, or justify, or defend yourself.

You couldn't have known that Show Business parents are like rabbits on a nighttime highway. Bright lights blind them.

Paul Petersen