I saw the word "Tweens" and I thought what in the world is that. This is the name that "professionals" have given to kids - ages 8 to 12. Tweens are showing behaviors that are typically known for teenagers.
Some of the "Tweens" are going out on dates (ages 8-12); demanding parents buy them cell phones and IPods. They listen to pop music which is often sexually charged, participate in mature related video games and log in many, many minutes on MySpace. Young girls are wearing makeup younger and some of the clothes are inappropriate for their age.
Some studies demonstrate that girls are going through puberty earlier. The medical profession seems to think it is the result of better nutrition. The doctors have even lowered the limits of early breast development to first or second grade.
I only report this because there are many parents who are working in their chosen field and do not have time to read everything important to raising kids. Watch your kids and try to NOT let them grow up to fast. You don't think the marketers in the retail business don't know the opportunity to promote their products geared toward the "Tweens". Of course, they do. They estimate that an additional $170 BILLION will be spent by the "Tweens", if they market directly to them.
To all interested moms out there:
I would like to invite you to participate in a research study of parenting views and practices. Dr. Kim White-Mills and Dr. Catherine Dobris of IUPUI (both are moms) are interested in understanding what sources parents find useful in their parenting practices, how parents use different parenting information, and what views parents across the county hold regarding parenting issues.
To access this survey, go to http://www.iupui.edu/~momviews/
Posted by: Georgia | May 09, 2007 at 03:27 PM