The Kids Speak Out

Tweens and the Osmonds

I remember when my daughter was a tween her bedroom was covered with posters of Marie Osmond and once in a while brother, Donny.  What a clean and wholesome image they protrayed to tweens.  With their own television show, the siblings even fussed at each other showing that was normal. 

Sarah, one of our fans at The Kids Speak Out, left a comment that I completely agree with.  She stated that Hilary Duff, an idol to Tweens, have kept herself clean, wholesome and protraying an image to young people saying "it's OK to be good".  However, as Sarah pointed out, Hilary is not as marketable as some of the other idols who get into trouble and slowing destroying their lives right in front of our Tweens. 

As parents there is a strong need for you to watch the Tween Idols to make sure your Tween is being exposed to the type of idols that will ensure that "it's OK to be good".

Tweens and Their Idols

Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana is going to be interviewed by Barbara Waters after the Academy Show tonight.  I was trying to compose questions I would like to ask Miley if I had the opportunity.  Most everyday questions you would ask Tweens would certainly not apply..such as:  "Where do you see yourself in five years?  What are your career goals and your personal goals?"  An appropriate question may be.."how are you going to protect yourself from being brought down by the media and how have you assured that you will be making good decisions for your life?"

Watch the interview tonight and let's see what questions Barbara Waters ask Miley.  I'm wondering if her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, will be present during the interview???  Let's watch together.

3 Ways to Make Sure That Your Kids Continue to Choose Good Music and Movies

Music plays a very important role in a kid's life.  From cradle to the grave our lives are effected by all kinds of music.  When I hear music from the 50's,  I can sing all of the words and dance the "swing" "jigger bug" and all those famous old moves.  Kids are making their memories through music so they can recall their childhood when they hear a Hannah Montana song.  When they are middle age and put the High School Musical in the DVD they will be able to sing every song and dance the dances.  Kids love to dance and sing all of the songs--just to have good, clean fun.   I believe it makes high school appealing to the Tweens because it sits the stage of fun, trust and experiences that will stay with them all of their lives.  Believe it or not these productions are not just a movie being released--oh no!

Of course, there is the selling of DVD's, posters, T-shirts and all kinds of merchandise that produces well over $100 million enterprise.

I will be writing about Hannah Montana, and her dad, in another article.  Their success is unbelievable.  In talking with kids, their comments on the side is "I sure hope she doesn't mess up her life".  Kids want a good, clean model to sing with and dance with and so far Miley Cyrus playing Hannah Montana provides this to our kids.

Let me give parents a few ideas on encouraging kids to continue to pick out good, clean, happy models.

1)  When your kids dance and sing to the High School Musical or a song from Hannah Montana, get off the couch and join them--make it fun!

2) Purchase the DVD immediately and T-Shirts, etc. to let them know that you think Hannah and High School Musicial is great as well.

3)  Pray these role models, that our kids have selected, do not "mess up their lives".  If they do, be prepared to talk with your kids about it.

STOP BULLYING ME!!!

One of my passions is to help parents recognize if their kid is bullying other kids and or siblings.  It is a huge problem and I believe the school systems are failing to stop kids bullying kids.  I know I was talking to the program of the YMCA after school program about bullying.  Her comment was interesting:  "if we hear anyone bullying another kid, we talk to the parents and the kid is taken out of our program".  Now, I know you can't do this with the school acadmic program; however, there needs to be harsh circumstances if a kid is bullying another kid.  I'll be writing more about this whole topic and I'm very concerned about cyberbullying. 

The article below was written by Billy Simms who devotes his time to speak to parents and kids about bullying in the school system.  He list the top 10 bully excuses.  Enjoy reading.

Top 10 Bully Excuses
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Billy_Simms]Billy Simms

1)       I was only teasing.

This is the classic excuse that most bullies will use when they are accused of verbal abuse. Teasing usually happens between friends. Verbal abuse happens to weaker students who are unable to stand up for themselves. If you know that the two students who are involved in the incident are not friends, you can be sure that it was not just teasing. Also, teasing becomes bullying when it happens often and over a period of time.

2) I didn't mean to hurt him.

Bullies will almost always try to downplay their actions. Most of the time, their intent is to emotionally hurt or physically cause pain to their victims. Acting like they didn't mean to do it or trying to comfort the victim once they have been caught are ploys that bullies like to incorporate.

3)  He pushed me first.

Between two students of the same size and social stature, maybe that could occur. But, between the captain of the football team and the student who is hardly noticed on campus, it's doubtful. It's highly unlikely that a smaller, weaker student will push or try to intimidate someone who is bigger.

4) His face flew into my fist.

Well, problem solved. Kids will actually say this and expect us to believe them.

5) He tripped and fell by himself.

Many students trip and fall every day at school. But, if you have a student complaining that another student is tripping them or pushing them down, then it's probably happening. A question that educators can ask themselves is this: How many times a day/week are students reporting that this behavior is taking place? If the behavior is being reported more than a few times a week, the alleged bully is probably guilty.

6) Someone pushed me into him.

Blaming others is what bullies do so well. Bullies at the elementary level love to push their classmates when they are in line. Since elementary students are in line a lot, this happens quite often. Acting like someone pushed them into another student will be the first excuse that bullies will use if they are accused of pushing another student. Put the bully at the front or the back of the line and keep a close eye on them.

7) She thought I was talking about her, but I wasn't.

Relational bullying among girls is a huge problem. Manipulating friendships and spreading rumors are how girls generally bully each other. This is somewhat of a comical excuse because if the alleged bully denies saying anything, it will be quite easy to find ten or more girls who will admit that the bully did say something.

8) They deserve to be bullied because they are ugly, fat, don't wear the right clothes, etc.

No one deserves to be bullied. Period. Bullies will try to justify their actions by blaming the victim. This is similar to racial discrimination.

9)   Everyone bullies.

No, they don't. Only a small percentage of students are bullies. Bullies will say this to try and place the blame on others. Their attitude is that if others are doing it, then it's okay.

10) I didn't do anything.

This may be the easiest thing for students to say when they know they are in trouble. When a student says, "I didn't do anything," it almost always means, "I'm guilty." The phrase I didn't do anything has become such a part of children's vocabulary, it almost automatically comes out of their mouths when they are accused of something.

For more tips and information about bullying I invite you to visit http://www.BillySimmsSpeaks.com

From Billy Simms-Your Trusted Bully Advisor

Want Bullying To Go Away? Don't Delay, Call Billy Today

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Simms http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-10-Bully-Excuses&id=856987