Our neighbor is 6 and has a passion for Hannah Montana and ICarly- which I’m disheartened to see is being past along to our 4 1/2 year old. I think the content is too “grown up” for both girls. Am I on track and when would the content be deemed appropriate? If we chose to avoid the shows, music, toys, clothes and merchandise what is the best way to explain it to our daughter. So far- “it’s for older children and isn’t it interesting that different families do things differently” seems to work. I am however sooo tempted to buy the Hannah merchandise for gifts because it makes her soooo excited- just like the Disney Princesses did when she was 2 1/2.
I think every parent is tempted to give their child the “wow” moment at the holidays – even when it requires them to set aside a parenting philosophy or spend too much money. Resist the urge! We are the ones who ultimately set our children’s expectations for what they receive.
The immersion into the world of TV and pop stars is not appropriate for a 4 ½ year-old, in spite of your daughter’s interest. However, you might be able to indulge her – sans the images associated with dress, behavior and all the other trappings of media-made icons – by focusing just on the music of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. Google “song lyrics” and to be sure the lyrics to the songs do not offend your families sensibilities, and enjoy the tunes together.
Disappointment with gifts from Santa, or gifts from friends, can be addressed by saying “those who love us would never give us gifts that were not appropriate for us, for our family, or our beliefs.” Let your daughter know, that there will be a time when Hannah Montana is appropriate for her, it is just not right now. Acknowledge her disappointment and share a time in your life when it was hard to wait for something you wanted.
Happy holidays!
Tomorrow: My three-year-old son wants a princess bike.
Send your questions to: Carolyn@engagetoday.com
