Padded Bikinis For Kids?
U.K. bargain clothing chain Primark stopped selling padded Bikini tops for children Wednesday amid accusations they would attract pedophiles. The bikinis also angered children’s advocates and top candidates in Britain’s upcoming national election, who say it was yet another product that sexualizes children and encourages them to grow up too fast. “It’s a shame it was ever put on the shelves in the first place,” said Justine Roberts, founder of the Mumsnet, a parenting website that attracts a large, vocal audience.
Announcing the immediate withdrawal of the product, Primark promised to donate any profits already earned from the item to a children’s charity.
Tips for parents.
Watch what you say about your own body in front of your children (try not to talk badly about your body).
Watch shows with your child and help her realize how the advertisers are trying to make women fit into a perfect shape. If you keep communication open with her she will come to you when she is worried.
Encourage activity. Sports at school, or art after school, or whatever it is that she loves. Children who feel badly about themselves focus on outward appearance. Stress what is inside.