Cultures often clash when parents, students decide what's appropriate to wear
Weatherford resident Lynn Roof and her daughter Chandler, 12, typically agree on fashion, though the preteen said her father tends to be a bit "old school” when it comes to her clothing.
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Shock frocks
Is today's culture going too far by offering sexually suggestive playthings and apparel for younger children? Read on:
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Barbie in fishnets and leather. Mattel is set to release a collector's edition Barbie based on the DC Comics superhero the Black Canary. The doll is dressed in black leotard-style clothing, a leather jacket and fishnet stockings, raising the ire of some. "Barbie has always been on the tarty side, and this is taking it too far. A children's doll in sexually suggestive clothing is irresponsible. It's filth,” said a spokesman for the religious group Christian Voice.
Amanda Conner, who designed the Black Canary Barbie, said she thinks any parents who do not want the doll for their children will not buy it for them.
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Thongs for tots. Recently discussed on ABC's "The View” daytime talk show, some New York City stores are offering thong underwear for young girls.
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Crude babies. Teesed.com offers T-shirts, bibs, onesies and other items promoting a crude slogan regarding attractive mothers made popular by the "American Pie” feature film series. In 2006, similar items were being touted by a business called PimpPants.
Talking tips
Lisa Hamblin, family and consumer sciences educator and youth-at-risk program director at the Oklahoma County Extension Center, offers these tips for parents preparing for back-to-school shopping with their preteens and teens:
•Plan ahead. Before you go shopping, discuss whose money will be used to make purchases and how much will be spent. Also talk about what clothing is and isn't acceptable, according to school dress codes and/or your family values. Discuss the stores where you plan to shop and the types of clothing offered there.
•Whose money is it? Many teens who work have their own money, so they may be able to make some purchases. Discuss which items they will buy on their own and which items you plan to pay for. Also talk in detail about apparel and shoe prices that are acceptable and those that are not.
•What is negotiable? Realize that there are some things that are negotiable and some that are not. For example, clothes that violate the school dress code typically would not be negotiable. But try to negotiate some purchases so that teens and preteens learn the power of choice, which will help them become good consumers.
•Be a good listener. What type of clothing is your teen looking for? What is his or her style? Listen as they explain their choices and preferences.
•Avoid "never” and "always.” When parents use these types of words to describe their child's clothing preferences, it can shut down the lines of communication.
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