Making that Awkward Talk a Little Easier
Children have always had role models, from leadings ladies in movies to pop stars on the radio, and children never cease to emulate their favorite icons. But what happens when those icons are growing up much faster than your child is?
"Early Show" contributor Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, a child and adolescent psychologist, gave co-anchor Erica Hill some pointers Tuesday on keeping your child from flying down the fast track.
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Hartstein explained that the youth generation today is different than pervious ones, because they are so sexualized and desensitized to the idea of sex, because it is everywhere.
"They're so desensitized to so much of this that it looks like it's normal, it's glamorous, they're having fun. So they want to emulate that behavior. So we have to be intermediaries in there to talk to our kids about what's wrong with it," said Hartstein.
It can be difficult to start that conversation with your child, especially when you're not too sure what to say or where to start. Hartstein suggests staying away from "yes" or "no" questions, because they can often end your conversation before it even starts.
"So, part of your road map, so to speak, needs to be, 'Hey, what do you like about this person? What is it about this celebrity that you find interesting? What do you think about what she's doing? How do you think about this transition?' Really open-ended dialogue," explained Hartstein.
To be able to have a conversation like this, it also means knowing what your child is watching and being open to sitting down and watching with them. Throughout the program, ask your child why they like it, why they look up to that person, and that can open the door for effective communication.
Not only are these shows impacting the way children dress, they're a big factor in the way they may behave. Some parents complain that their kids might develop a bad attitude or have "sass" in the way they speak.
Hartstein said the best way to fix that is "to teach our kids it starts at home. Parents are still the most important role model."
And being the parent of boys doesn't get you off the hook when it comes to celebs taking over the spotlight in your child's life.
"You have someone like Chris Brown that some of these kids really like and we have to talk about how to respect women and what's appropriate behavior, too," said Hartstein.
But children can pick out inappropriate behavior on their own. The children that are able to do that have been taught from an early age by their parents the basic ground rules that are age-appropriate.
Hartstein suggests starting between the ages of 5-8. "You want it start it early so that they know, you are their protector and their role model first and foremost. So the more you can set that fund days, the better off you are later."