The world’s oldest profession comes with nasty consequences, so why are mothers allowing their young daughters to look like hookers? Julia Roberts glamorized prostitution in the movie Pretty Woman, but reality proves that it’s not the best career choice. Call girls have a higher probability of becoming diseased, abused, and dead instead of being saved and supported by a handsome millionaire.
Many of us more mature women regularly fight the urge to rush over with a protective tarp when we see a group of fifth-grade girls strutting through the mall. By their clothes and make up, they appear to be taking a break from their pole dancing gig and sauntering to hang out on the street corner. All they lack are dollar bills hanging from their belts and portable credit card readers attached to their bling-encrusted cell phones. And this is before they’ve had their first period.
Honey Boo Boo is not a positive role model.
A recent national study revealed that 30 percent of young girls’ clothing is sexualized at 15 major retailers. Companies spend $12 billion a year to convince little girls that they should look like tarts and tramps. A French company recently introduced a line of bras for ages 4-12, and many stores offer padded bikinis for 10-year-olds. Over 70 percent of the clothes marketed by Abercrombie Kids features sexy characters, provocative writing, a minimal amount of material, and designs to emphasize a girl’s chest and butt. The mothers who buy these clothes soon will have a new name: Grandmother.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost 37 percent of 14-year-olds have had sex. Promiscuous sexual experimentation has increased, resulting in about three million cases of sexually transmitted diseases every year among teens, and there are approximately one million unwanted teenage pregnancies. Yet another study indicates that young girls have alarming afflictions with eating disorders and negative self-perceptions. I don’t need to read any more studies. It’s obvious that our young girls are clamoring for the type of approval that will never come from texting a naked photo that remains on the Internet forever.
I’m not a prude – I coauthored and published a book of romantic poetry titled Daily Erotica, but the poems are for adults. I think sexual passion is fabulous, and I can maneuver into a skimpy negligee if the lights are low and my husband promises jewelry. But when it comes to sexy six-year-olds, I agree with Dana Carvey’s Church Lady. It’s not pru-dent.
What’s a mother to do?
Don’t lament, take action! Don’t buy clothes that turn your daughter into a sex object. Know the passwords to every social media site she visits so she won’t be lured by pedophiles or taunted by bullies. Know her friends. Establish guidelines and expectations. Lead by your own example. Don’t allow movies, magazines, and music that glorify rape, promote promiscuous sex, and degenerate women. If your daughter complains, invite her to get a job and pay for her room, board, computer, and Internet access. If she still throws a fit for trampy fashion, assign her to write a report about “Successful Whores I Admire.”
Your child will grow up fast enough, so focus on fun family time while you still can skip beside her. Encourage sports, musical instruments, dance, and art. Take walks together and plan vacations. Play outside. Discuss sex without blushing. Plan and make a family meal together. And, try to pick your battles and compromise: the short skirt is okay with leggings. (Duct tape them on, if necessary.)
Finally, analyze your own self-talk. Your children notice if you’re always critical of your body. They also observe healthy, loving relationships that they want to emulate. Teach them that bodies are beautiful at any age, and sex is natural and wonderful at a mature level that doesn’t require Hello Kitty lip gloss. Finally, believe that your 10-year-old doesn’t need a matching lace panty and bra set. Apply the money to her college fund so she can create her own business that encourages and celebrates smart women.
Today’s blog is fueled by a wonderful 2010 Decoy red wine from Napa Valley. This yummy blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Duckhorn Wine Company, producers of fabulous high-end wines. I found Decoy at Crush Wine Bar in Eagle for about $40. I also found Duckhorn Merlot for around $75. Get both bottles or a pair of shoes. Decisions, decisions.
