I have been to the mall and I have watched the teens in t-shirts with rude slogans and images. I have read countless bumper stickers that make me dread the day my daughters are completely reading and ask, "Mommy what does that mean?" I've come to expect this from some teens and adults (and I am very grateful to know many terrific teens who are wonderful, honest, polite people going against cultural trends).
However, while I've come to "expect" and almost accept the fact that this sort of thing is common for the "old enough to drive" crowd, I've truly been shocked and dismayed to see how common it is for the preschool set!
This month, I took my girls shopping for fall clothes to take advantage of Back to School sales. I was disappointed in the number of shirts with rude slogans designed for toddlers! The one that stood out on this particular shopping trip was a Toddler Girl shirt that said, "It's All About Me!" Another mom was shopping and she commented on how that was "perfect for her little girl." I wanted to ask her if that same daughter walked into her home at the age of 16 and announced, "It's All About Me!" - would that be okay?
Why is it okay for toddlers to wear slogans that proudly boast self-centeredness and rudeness? Why is it okay to declare these things cute for a two year old wardrobe when the very same remark would have a teen grounded (at least in the house I grew up in)?
And most of all, why are we encouraging kids to grow up to be self-centered and impolite, rather than teaching consideration and character? What are we promoting?
So moms, what do you think? Are these things really okay and are you supporting the retail industry in training our kids to be selfish?