Happy meal with a side of sex

Let me start by saying I am not a prude by any means. However, as the mother of a daughter I am concerned with the toys and clothing that are readily available and deemed acceptable.

Numerous groups have expressed concern over the early sexualization of girls-so much so that the APA developed a task force to assess the depth of the problem. The APA report focuses on the increasing rates of eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem among younger and younger girls. The Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., is now seeing patients as young as six with eating disorders. Girls are worrying about their weight and expressing dissatisfaction with their bodies at younger and younger ages.

An article in the Post asked“When do little girls start wanting to look good for others?” and quotes a sex educator as guessing that whereas it once began at six or seven, it now gets started as early as four. I don't believe the issue is the female desire to be attractive. There’s a world of difference between simply wanting to look good (Ava already loves dresses and pretty jewelry)and dressing like a stripper. Once Ava is out of toddler sizes we may have to put a pole in our living room. I don't really think a 4 or 5 year old needs low rise jeans, micro minis, crop tops, heels or bikini underpants! When little girls go from looking pretty/cute to flat out slutty we have crossed the line. "Whatever we may think of immodesty in grown women, there is little doubt that it is disgusting, demeaning, and depraved in little girls".

The toy choices are equally as bad as the clothing. Recently I got Ava a happy meal and in it was a scantily clad roller derby figurine. I got my daughter sex with her fries!!!!! The APA singled out the Bratz dolls, saying, "It (is) worrisome when dolls designed specifically for 4- to 8-year-olds are associated with an objectified adult sexuality." I mean have you see those things? They are little plastic whores. So how do you buy them and then not expect your daughter to want to look like them?

How do you feel about the clothing and toy options available for children under 16? Do your daughters have Bratz dolls or similar ones? Do you have a pole in your living room? Is your 4 year old on the cover of Preschoolers Gone Wild?