The manager mom

As an acting coach and ex-stage mom, I think Debbie Boyd hit the nail on the head (“Grounded, in a Good Way,” June 19). A parent of a child actor cannot and must not run the child’s career or depend on the the child for financial stability. In my job, I see all too often the damage that is done when the parent assumes the sole role of manager and financial officer instead of the important role of a supporting mom or dad.

Since a parent or guardian must accompany a minor on the set and may have to give up a job to do so, it can become a major problem not to be dependent on the child actor’s money. Mrs. Boyd seems to be doing a wonderful job; however, I would highly recommend that most parents of child actors not coach their own children. It sets up a strange dynamic, and when I was casting I could always tell those who were parent-coached.

Jean English

Burbank