Horrified by Halloween?

Are you having trouble getting your daughter to agree to a less-than-x-rated Halloween costume? Sounds like you are in good company. Lisa Belkin’s Motherlode post about girls and their sexy Halloween costumes certainly generated a lot of response. Parents can eloquently complain about our culture, and yet feel helpless against it.

Toughen up, parents. It is easy to find the culture overwhelming, and yes, you are swimming against the tide. But never give up. Too much is at stake. There comes a time when you must stand firm, stake your claim, pick your battles and remain vigilant. If keeping your daughter from dressing like a strip dancer feels offensive to you… then step up and put your foot down. Say no. Show some gumption and some creativity. Help her find another costume!

One respondent to the Motherlode piece said: “Ms. Belkin must have been in my home last night. I sent my 15 year old out the door clutching $50 dollars, which she protested was too little, and instructions not to come home with a costume too short, too tight, or too revealing… She’s got the legs of a 15 year old and the mind of a child saturated with “Friends” and “Seventeen Mag” (The Perfect Kiss). “Where are her parents?” [you ask] Here, struggling every day with limits and peer pressure. Locking her in a closet is not an option but it sure seems like the only way to protect these kids from a bankrupt culture.”

But your culture at home isn’t bankrupt. You can – you need to – create your own culture promoting the values you hold dear. I know, fighting an empowered teen can be exhausting, so pick your battles. If sexy clothes is where you draw the line, more power to you.

You’ll need all of it you can muster.