Disturbing Parenting

(*edit - I had to change the title of this post because it was drawing attention from sicko scumbags who are trying to get their jollies through child pornography.  I was sickened when I realized this.  I also removed the title of the magazine article.  If you would like to read it, email me and I will give you the title.  I used a disturbing picture of children dressed inappropriately and I deleted that also.  Even though the removal of these things alters the post, I believe it's for the best.)

I recently read an article in Redbook Magazine that struck a nerve with me.  It was called (title removed)  This is a topic that has bothered me for some time and I'm glad that someone finally addressed it. 

The photos in the article were quite disturbing and I hesitate to even post them here.  But I don't think you can grasp the severity of this topic unless you too are physically nauseated by the pictures.  This one is of 8-year-old girls in a youtube video doing a sensual dance to Single Ladies.  I will admit, I did not watch the video.  As the mother of two girls, I thought I would be too bothered by the content.  Another photo in the article was of Miley Cyrus at one of her concerts (performing to an audience of 5- to 12-year-old girls) doing what I could only describe as a pole dance.  I just can't imagine why any mother would feel comfortable allowing her young daughter to watch that!  Young girls in today's society are being taught that it is acceptable to move your body in a sensual manner for the purpose of gaining attention from the opposite gender.

Why are mothers pushing their daughters to grow up faster?  I wish I could keep my kids young as long as possible!  Instead of taking my daughter out for a day at the spa, a mani/pedi and facial, I would rather sit on the living room floor with her playing dolls or coloring.  I have a friend with three daughters who regularly takes them for manicures.  The sad thing is that this family is probably living at the poverty level....they are supported by their parents.   But yet they choose to waste money on acrylic nails for little girls.  How much is a set of acrylic nails right now?  (I hate to admit that I haven't had a manicure since my wedding.)

The author of the article condemns plastic high heels, princess dresses, and decking out your daughter in all pink.  I disagree with that viewpoint.  I have no problem with any of those things.  I encourage my daughter to be feminine and I'm thrilled that she's a girly-girl.  My younger daughter is looking more and more like a tom boy and that's OK too.  She can run through the front yard in a pair of plastic high heels like no one's business!  But just because a woman is feminine does not mean that she's going to become a dimwitted, abused housewife whose only opinion is, "Whatever you want, dear."  I am a very traditional, feminine wife and I've never been hit by my husband.  I do have an opinion and he respects it and honors me.

I allow my daughters to play with Barbies and dress up in princess costumes.  But I draw the line at Bratz dolls, makeovers, and Katy Perry songs.  Every parent must make a decision of where to draw the line for their children.  And when deciding where to draw the line, they must ask themselves some questions:  Is this activity potentially dangerous for my children?  What will it encourage them to become?  Am I allowing it simply so my children will like me and not be mad at me?  WHY are you deciding WHAT you decide?

I'm just one mother who is happy to have little girls who are still little girls.