Modern Childhood

I've just read this article by Ulrika Jonsson:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1083373/How-I-protect-daughter-society-sexualises-children-asks-Ulrika-Jonsson.html
This is an issue which seems to crop up in the media quite a lot these days with articles usually formulated around clothes for small children which closely resemble those of the most provocative streetwalkers. Thongs for 5 year olds should in my opinion not be sold. Do people really want children to become aware of how to attract the opposite sex at that age?

In this case Ulrika's 8 year old daughter had heard about a makeover party for girls her own age and knew her mother wouldn't allow her to attend. Encouraging children this young to wear makeup and worry about their appearance suggests to me they are being made to grow up at far too young an age.

It's all very well saying girls like dressing up but there's a huge difference between dressing up and worrying about whether you should have cosmetic surgery or go on a diet. No one's self confidence should be tied up with how they look. One person has commented on the article saying that a woman who does not bother about her appearance condemns herself to a life without men. This is absolute rubbish! I have never worried about my appearance - apart from ensuring I look neat and tidy - and I have never been without a man in my life! For a short time I did wear make up regularly but even that was against my better judgment.

If you want to lower the teenage pregnancy rate then you need to educate girls - by example - that there are more important things in life than appearance. Getting the best educational qualifications you are able to and finding a job you enjoy are more important. Looks don't last - your mind and personality do.