Happy 4th of July!
J U LY 2014
iNSiDE
let’s eat out! NEW • earth talk • movie time nearby nature • dad’s eye view • ASK a doc • CALENDAR SUMMER 2014
Shaping the
Next Generation of Successful
Young Women by Kim Green-Spangler
A
s parents of children of either gender, we hope that they will end up happy, healthy, successful, and prepared to take on all the world has to offer. Children today are extra vulnerable because the world is changing quickly and it can be difficult for anyone to keep up. Think of the shows that were on television, or the values that seemed to be in place mere generation ago. Those things have been replaced with reality television, cable access with very little censorship, and an apparent acceptance of the “norms” of today’s world. Girls, in particular, can get caught between the generations, in large part due to their parental influences. What can parents do to help their girls prepare for their futures? They can nurture their individuality, teach them to have a voice and use it and help them learn how to overcome and challenges and embrace all opportunities. There are several key areas that come into play when discussing girls: Appearance Many of today’s fashion trends make it near impossible to raise girls with a positive self-image. Questionable attire used to be reserved for older girls in their teen years. However, the recent marketing ploys put into place by big businesses, is targeting
younger girls. Between lower and lower-rise pants, leaving nothing to the imagination when girls merely sit down, cropped, mesh, lace and sheer tops that require multiple layers if girls want to try to preserve their modesty and clothing with inappropriate messages emblazoned on them, exactly what is a girl to do? There are stores around that sell appropriate clothing, but with each passing year their numbers are dwindling. Many girls who would rather dress more conservatively are stuck with clothing they’d prefer not wear, like current fashion trends or uniform clothing – each on opp o s it e ends of t he
spectrum. Younger Girls: Parents should refuse to purchase things like thongs, or undergarments that sport inappropriate messages like “juicy”, “hot”, “naughty”, or f i n d
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with questionable graphics. Complain to stores. If enough people complain and post their complaints online, store buyers will take notice, quickly. Why stock a store with clothing that isn’t being purchased? Today’s work parents can make social media work in their favor. Older Girls: In addition to refusing to make purchases and letting their dissatisfaction be known, parents should ask them to step away and put themselves in an observer’s shoes prior to making a purchase. Ask, If they would be embarrassed to walk up to a register holding their purchase for everyone to see, or if their clothing was accidentally torn and the graphic/message on their shirt or panties became visible, or if they were seen sporting a certain look by their boyfriend’s parent, a clergy member or their grandparent how would they feel. Some girls may not care, but just asking them to consider how their clothing choices l o ok f rom an ot h e r perspective may make your case without you having to harp on them. Community Involvement Girls can often get caught up in cliques, stuck in ruts, or pigeonholed into a role like a jock, or a princess, or a nerd, etc. Given that they spend so
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much of their day in school, often where these roles are nurtured, community involvement can help them step away from their perceived roles and grow as individuals. Soup kitchens, volunteering for storytelling at a local library, or visiting retirement/nursing homes can be just the thing to help girls learn to focus on others and give back to their community. Younger girls: Girls are never too young to start giving back. Four and five year olds can help plant and maintain a community gardens or help set tables at a soup kitchen. Nurturing empathy and social responsibility can help make this a lifelong habit. Older girls: In addition to personal growth and aiding the community, many high schools are requiring students to perform a minimum number of community service hours in order to graduate. Older girls can also coordinate food, clothing and blood drives, collect supplies for the military and participate in parades, community days and more. Financial Responsibility Today’s parents often speak of this generation as the “entitled” generation. As parents work hard to provide their daughters with as many opportunities as possible, they should also make sure their daughters recognize and appreciate their efforts. Our changing society where parents are reluctant for children to have newspaper routes, or continued on page 2…