Maybe this topic is a little off season, maybe it doesn’t matter. On my household, we don’t participate of Halloween. There are a lot of reasons for this. But on this post, I’ll only cover one: inappropriate costumes.
Can I suggest a different attire?
Not only on real life, but also on any social networks. Kids should never wear suggestive attire or costumes that will endanger their innocence. Imagine, if you will, a 7 year old wearing a bunny costume that does not fit well with her innocent persona (much like the one the girl on this post’s picture is wearing). Doensn’t it ring any warning bells? Can you imagine if some child molester saw her like that? that’s the only thing that comes to mind when I see this. That attire reminds me of the dress-up many Playboy Playmates wear.
Keep in mind your kid’s age
On social networks, and using Raúl’s post on friending kids on social networks as inspiration, you may find a few kids that wear what they think is a pretty dress on their profile picture or avatar. They might even have full photo albums of them trying out clothing that is completely inappropriate for their age. Problem is, adults do not see it the same way they do. I can never understand how parents let their kids wear suggestive clothing in the real or digital world. Those parents more than likely never even visit their child’s profile page on Facebook. They make it easy for any child predator out there.
Pants, please!
Back to the small girl. There’s a fast cure for this type of situation: put some pants underneath the skirt, after all, with those clothes, she won’t be able to play at all, and still… the costume remains innapropiate. I mean, think about it, she wouldn’t be able to move much without showing her underwear. Talk to your daughters about this. They need to understand why they need to put pants on and why you don’t approve of such costumes. If they are as wise as my daughter, you won’t even have to finish your speech. They’ll get it immediatly! Always remember that not all parents think the same way. Maybe some don’t see anything wrong with that attire, they believe no one can come and harm their kid. I urge you to think again.
Someone is always watching
Next time you buy a costume for your child, be sure is age appropriate. Never expose them to sick people that might be watching them and creating dirty scenarios in their heads. Also be watchful of you children’s digital life.
What do you think? What is your approach to costumes? Are we indoctrinating our young ones on the incorrect path without knowing? Give me your thoughts!
Rick,
Great post… I think this is an issue that many parents have all the time. What they don’t see is that allowing those costumes creates the perception that dressing that way is appropriate.
One of the reasons we both started this blog was to address the safety of children. I clearly agree that being careless in these aspects can put our kids at risk!
So, so true…. but even if her parents know you well (and don’t take this comment directed at you personally) they should be more aware that in most child abuse cases, the abuser is someone VERY CLOSE to the child! So parents, you can never be too protective of your child if it is for their own safety. I try to make sure my 5-year old wears pants, even under long dresses. Take care!
I agree completely and no offense taken. That’s the second thing that crossed my mind that day. Thanks for reading and commenting. PANTS!
This post reminds me of a day we where at the Plaza of Cabo Rojo and a mom was standing with wardrobe of her daughter who was doing a photo shooting. Maybe some of the attire would have been appropriate for a Maxim Model.
I still don’t get why you would want to expose your kid in such a way!
Some parents sexify their kids so early with the little high heels, the little short skirts, the sexy little girl bathing suits, etc. We don’t even had earrings on Daniela and they mistake her for a boy. I have to catch myself with comments when strangers pay her a compliment because my mind goes into many different directions. Dressing little people up to make them look like grown folks is not something I like or will do. We have little battles with our family members who want to put little high heel shoes on the baby or buy her jewelry. We don’t want her growing up before her time. So she may be one little girl who wears pants alot and they may mistake her for a Daniel.
I like it!