Here's how the arguments go: I say how unregulated advertisement
aimed directly at kids is contributing to childhood obesity rates among
other societal ills. You remind me I'm the parent, I have the right to
tell my kid "no," grow up, be the adult, how about a little personal
responsibilty?
Here's the deal: I do say "no," all the time.
Almost every time, truly. I've had a strict "no characters -- ever"
policy, just so there were no gray areas. I even pass over the bargain
clothes if they are emblazoned with Hannah Montana or Raven or Bratz or
whatever. My seven-year-old knows this and mostly doesn't bother asking
anymore.
Those times where there is a request for Sponge Bob
this or Princess Whoever that, I set out the invisible lectern and
launch into my diatribe on how this particular cereal is displayed just
where they'll see it and the reason Johnny Depp is on a candy wrapper
is so they'll want me to buy it. If the response is a whine, I go ahead
and point out that Company X wants them to whine so I'll give up and I
usually finish with "Your whining has strengthened my resolve! The
answer now is especially 'no'!"
But damn. My resolve is growing weak. I'm really tired of
it all. And I'm not convinced that all the no's now will result in them
making better choices later. The thing is, personal responsibility/no
regulation folks, parents are up against a lot. I'm pretty sure we're
not winning either.
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