If you frequent the internet and social media I have no doubt that you have caught a glimpse at one of those viral photos where sweet baby girls have been dressed in attire that mimics a full grown woman. Hair ribbons and saddle shoes have been traded in for obnoxious floral headbands and kiddie wedge heels. I’ll admit it is a bit adorable and fun to look at, but on the back end we have to wonder what are we doing to our sweet baby girls when it comes to exposing them to such materialism at an early age.

As a mother to a baby girl I often find it difficult to not fall in that trap. I have found myself having to look high and low for something as simple as a black dress shoe.  Brands are only giving what the market demands and from the looks of things we will be competing with our children for the best of what fashion has to offer very soon.

From Toddlers and Tiaras to Honey Boo Boo, society is indirectly influencing our children to grow up before their time. I believe as mothers we have to pull in the reigns and set the standards for what is age appropriate attire and behavior. I for one don’t see the need for elementary school children to carry Coach bags, but they do. Materialism is all around us and will easily consume us and our children if we are not careful.

I see no need to push these ideals on my children. I do like nice things and I buy them for my children when funds allow, but as they get older these things will be leveraged in with money management discussions. Honestly, I feel as parents and as a society we are doing our children an awful disservice by pushing down their throats that what they wear and what they look like is more important than being wise with their spending decisions as they mature into adults.

Are you tickled or disgusted by these media images of little girls dressed as grown women. Is it all in fun or are we setting a bad example?

Words: Mimi Scarlett