Pick up a copy of this month’s Family Circle Magazine because they have a fabulous article about the impact of our media, clothes, toys, and music on young girls.
You guessed it – more about the sexualization of young girls.
I don’t think we can write, think or talk about this enough – and I don’t even have a girl!
It is our responsibility, not our children’s, to make decisions about what clothes they wear, the shows they watch, the toys they play with and the music they listen to.
If you let your five year old wear provocative clothing and watch “Hannah Montana” “because she likes it” you are doing her a disservice.
This is like letting her eat candy for breakfast, cookies for lunch and cake for dinner “because she likes it.” I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t let this happen in your house – ever.
Why would you let your five year old dress in a sexual manner and watch TV shows about the life of a person who’s only commonality is the fact that they are both female?
And please don’t try to tell me that high heels are cute on a little girl or that your seven year old needs a frilly bra because her best friend has one. These are articles of clothing for older girls and women. Not little girls.
Little girls don’t have breasts and they definitely don’t need their legs looking sexy.
Focusing on how our girls look rather than the content of their character is unfair, short sighted and I think leads to eating disorders, early sexual activity and struggles with self esteem.
Okay, I’m done. Sorry if I’ve stepped on anyone’s toes, but maybe I’ve made you think before you plop your kid in front of a TV show aimed at teenagers.
