Raising kids is tough, whether you've got little girls or little boys. With girls, parents have to be aware of the issues of modesty and body image. I read this article today on a life-size replica of Barbie, and it got me thinking about Barbie again, something my husband and I have discussed in the past. She's not exactly modest and has been accused of hurting girls' self-image. It's common knowledge that Barbie is not anywhere near being anatomically correct, and in recent years, Mattel widened Barbie's waist and shrunk her bustline.
Do you or will you let your little girl play with Barbie? The jury is still out on that issue here at the Daigle household. I will say that I never felt that Barbie affected my self image, positively or negatively.
Of course, there are other great alternatives to Barbie. We love the American Girl dolls. Isabelle has the Bitty Twins. While she's not into changing their outfits or fixing their hair yet, she loves to care for them as her "beebee dolls." I frequently find one hanging out in the baby swing or sitting on the training potty. I can't wait to get her one of the historical AG dolls, and I'm hoping she'll want Rebecca Rubin, the Jewish doll.
So what are your thoughts on Barbie?
Autumn is not the least bit interrested in Barbie or dolls (besides Polly Pocket) but she is only 5, so there is still time. I played with Barbies until I was about in 6th or 7th grade. I don't see anything wrong with them - they have a lot cooler ones now with awesome jobs - like pilots, engineers, and the like. I don't see how playing with Barbies really affects much - I mean, just because your son plays with those plastic army men doesn't mean he's going grow up toting around a bazooka and wear all green. ;) However, I *do* like extravagant gowns - darn you, Barbie!! I still remind my daughter that people come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Those differences are what make us special and unique, not only to others, but also to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to think your way on it, Liz. I probably have more concerns about the lack of modesty with Barbie. But maybe those are opportunities for conversations? Like I said, I'm not completely sure of my thoughts on her. One of my favorite sets of Barbies was The Heart Family--it came with a mom, dad, son, and daughter who all looked alike and wore matching clothes.
ReplyDeleteWell, from our perspective, Barbie makes me uncomfortable when the kids begin getting "older"--eight or nine. At that age they are really not likely to give up on the pink world, though. :) I wish we wouldn't have introduced them at all, although at four it seemed innocent enough(I did try to keep a close watch on "objectionable" outfits).Something I have learned in parenting, especially as the kids approach the teen years, is that it's important to keep a watch on WHY you're allowing your kids to have or do something. Nostalgia is NOT a good enough reason, as we were all allowed to watch/play with/listen to STUFF that doesn't fit the bill of righteousness. If you think about it, nostalgic reasons for giving your kids things are the equivalent of retroactive parental peer pressure. :)
ReplyDeleteDollhouse dolls are SUCH a good option. Get a good quality wooden dollhouse set(Hearthsong has some great stuff)and they can "grow up" with it.
We DO love the AG dolls--beware of the feminism in the story lines, though. The girls actually pooled with their dad and bought me Rebecca for my birthday this year! :)
I guess the bottom line--and you know this--is that nothing can be "handed" to your children without attention and discussion. We have had some really great opportunities to teach life lessons and God's truth because of engaging with them in their "play".
(Vision Forum has some nice stuff with Christian characters for the 18" dolls too.)
SO GLAD Andrew is home and doing well!!!!!
Obviously we're not at the Barbie stage or even the babydoll stage with Mia since she's only 6 months. But I never felt that Barbie had any sort of negative effect on my self image (the media is a whole other story). When I was a kid it was my way of playing "house" when I didn't have anyone to play with. I would sit for hours making Ken and Barbie go on dates, get married, change clothes over and over, and do all the daily family life stuff.
ReplyDeleteI think so long as little girls have plenty of good role models to reinforce positive body and self image then playing with Barbies is okay. I think the media has a far bigger impact on the way girls and women see themselves. And while some believe Barbie can reinforce the negative message of the media, I really think that having a family and good role models that teach positive self image can and will counteract all the negative out there.
Even growing up in the dance world the way I did, I never felt the pressure to look a certain way or try to change my body to fit a certain image. And I believe that was do to the family and role models that I was surrounded by growing up.