Wow Patty! I agree this issue is out of control and it sickens me. It seems overwhelming to try to stop it. I believe each parent/guardian needs to take responsiblity for what their kids are exposed to and what values they instill in them. I don't know of any other way to stop it. It's a hard battle. It goes against society.
Having school age children I fully see the effect of this. In fact, we just returned from buying birthday gifts for three of my daughter's 1st grade classmates. Before we went in the store we had to have a conversation about the fact that I would not buy HS Musical or Hannah Montana items for the two girls on the list, and why.
I agree with Kim though that this should be a parental issue. I don't believe that the government has a role here. As a parent I limit my child's media exposure and speak openly about that fact with their peers parents. I'm sure I've offended people, but I also hope that I've planted a seed or two of doubt that led to a child's exposure being at least more monitored.
We also spend a great deal of time talking to our kids about why we do/don't allow certain things.
What makes me sad, and angry, is the proliferation of product marketing in schools. This is another area where I think parents should use their voices and speak out against the practice of having Pizza Hut encourage reading etc.
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I agree with Kim though that this should be a parental issue. I don't believe that the government has a role here. As a parent I limit my child's media exposure and speak openly about that fact with their peers parents. I'm sure I've offended people, but I also hope that I've planted a seed or two of doubt that led to a child's exposure being at least more monitored.
We also spend a great deal of time talking to our kids about why we do/don't allow certain things.
What makes me sad, and angry, is the proliferation of product marketing in schools. This is another area where I think parents should use their voices and speak out against the practice of having Pizza Hut encourage reading etc.