There's just something wrong about a seven-year-old belting out, "Let's go all the way tonight...
No regrets, just love...." Now, I didn't know the kid--and call me crazy--but, I find Katy Perry impersonations at this age a tad disturbing.
I could go on...about a lot of things... like the fact that when I finally let my nine-year-old watch iCarly, I walked in the room to see two characters making out. Does she really need to be watching story lines that focus on the lives of highschoolers?
In one way, I know I am beat. I cannot sanitize my kids' lives from every less-than-ideal media influence. If she's not exposed to Katy Perry lyrics at home, she will come across it elsewhere--even walking by a seven-year-old on the street. And, let's face it: It's not so great for your kid to ask, "Who?" when peers ask if she likes "Britney Spears." So, what artist's music will I buy for my daughter this Christmas? I've tried to explain that the Jonas Brothers have sort of left through the back door, and while I don't mind Justin Beiber personally, my daughter is one of the few tweens who finds him revolting. I guess we're going for Taylor Swift, then. As for Katy Perry, when Amanda told me she likes the song, California Girls, I told her we live in New Jersey.
I grin and bear iCarly. The show is rather creative and Carly's best friend, Sam, gives me a lot of conversation starters about what kind of person we do NOT want to be. As long as my kids find Sam as horrible as I do, we'll keep her.
I may be beat, but that doesn't mean I have to send my kids into the world of media unarmed. I just found a great site (geared toward girls) that offers a bit of media intelligence: MyPopStudio. Kids can create their own popstar, act as a television producer or a magazine publisher. The experiences encourage critical thinking about the entertainment world. However, it's important to sit with your child and ask questions as she plays. Amanda (age 9) really enjoyed this site and she seemed to like giving her opinions to me when I asked her questions about her popstar's image, etc.
As a parent, I'm also tired of some the desperate ploys toy companies make for my money. One specific toy comes to mind here: Video Girl Barbie. "Really, honey? She is the video camera? You want to walk around with Barbie's back held up to your eye? You don't think that will look just a bit...well, RIDICULOUS??" Never mind the fact that we allow the girl to use our real video camera when she needs it.
Me: "Wow...I bet sticking a video camera system through Barbie's ribcage must of hurt like the devil!"
Mandy: (Blank stare)
In case you're wondering, I will NOT be purchasing poor Mutant Barbie.
PBS runs a fun, highly-interactive site that teaches about advertising. Don't Buy It brings kids behind the scenes of the entertainment they enjoy, reveals tricks advertisers use to promote their products, and offers tips for getting involved with responsible media. I'm looking forward to getting the kids to visit this site at some point in our crazy weekend!
Please feel free to share any toys you will not be purchasing this holiday due to their sheer stupidity!
