Growing up too fast, too soonA Story by PollyannaThere is so much pressure on kids today to be "attractive" and "perfect" that they're losing the ability to just be kids. Little girls are dressing like they're heading out to the clubs, while little boys are becoming so self-absorbed and callous. What type of future can they expect?
For example, I was at the bus stop the other day with the boys when I saw our neighbor's daughter. She seems to be an "okay" kid, but every time I see her, I'm reminded of how far our society has slid into distant parenting. This particular girl is a perfect example of that failure since most mornings she's also responsible for her little brother since their parents are long gone by the time the bus arrives.
I also find it a bit disconcerting that she wears Sketchers Shape ups. She's a very active girl . . . why would fitness shoes even need to be considered? I can’t fathom the reasons behind any of this and I'm sure I'll be called out for being insensitive, but I think the shoes could be due to her mother being considerably overweight and a way to hopefully, prevent the daughter from becoming the same. If my assumption is correct, there's a better way to make sure this doesn't happen . . . teach her to eat right, urge her to continue being active and, if there's even a slight chance for a medical condition being the culprit, make sure she receives the proper care and medication. Above all else, let her be a kid!
I wish I could talk to them about my concerns, but I'm barely on speaking terms with the parents due partly to the fact their son and most of the other kids in the neighborhood, act as if they are reenacting "Lord of the Flies". Besides, how do you approach people who are oblivious to what others see? How soon before their little girl falls into the same trap others her age (and younger) have and she starts dressing provocatively because all of her friends do and/or so boys will like her?
I almost feel like a hypocrite feeling the way I do about this particular subject. After all, I remember how I was when I was a kid and I’m sure you do, as well.
We couldn’t wait to grow up; we wanted adults to treat us as equals. Yet no matter what we did or how we acted, we still retained a type of innocence that today’s kids don’t seem to have. It’s as if it were stripped away, leaving nothing in its place. We could go out to play with our friends (male and female), leaving as soon as we finished breakfast only to come home as the street lights were coming on, many hours later. Today, you need to know where the kids will be playing, who will be included and have a designated return time with regular check-ins throughout the day and HOPEFULLY, none of the girls become pregnant.
Please don't misunderstand; I'm not JUST blaming parents for how children are today . . . I'm also blaming the media.
There isn't any logical reason kids should feel pressured to look, act, think and/or behave in any way other than that of a child, yet almost every time you turn on the television, you will see commercials and programs selling sex. Oh sure, there's usually some product they’re trying to convince you to buy, but in most cases, they are using something sexual to get your attention. This wouldn't be a problem if our society was more open-minded and honest, but we're repressed. Sex is one of those taboo subjects that isn't discussed in polite society, it isn't fodder for conversation (dinner or otherwise) and we'd rather let someone else teach our kids about it than spend a moment embarrassed trying to explain it ourselves.
With my two older daughters, I told them each the same thing as I was signing their permission slips to take part in Sex Ed: "Take the class. You'll be around others your own age and they will have the same questions you do. You will all probably feel as if you will die from embarrassment if you raise your hand to ask a question, but it's the only way to get answers. When you get home, we'll talk about it and I'll answer any questions you may still have."
I'll be repeating this speech to my oldest son very soon. © 2011 PollyannaAuthor's Note
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5 Reviews Added on April 26, 2011 Last Updated on April 26, 2011 AuthorPollyannaLake St. Louis, MOAboutPol·ly·an·na noun ˌpä-lē-ˈa-nə a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything I'm really nobody speci.. more..Writing
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