Serious question to Christians and anyone else who wishes to answer:?

Question

Would you permit your young daughter to dress in todays fashions? Such as the new Barbie dolls styles? Should Christians dress in such a way?

How can we teach our daughters to respect themselves for themselves and not be treated as the sum of their bodies if we permit this display? Your opinions please?

http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:My%20Scene%3A%20My%20Bling%20Bling%20-%20Barbie:2002396719;_ylc=X3oDMTB0b3VnYm1hBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNiZ3Qy

Answer 1

If I had children, I would place their clothing on a budget. I wouldn't want my daughter wearing $80 jeans just because they have holes in them, while a baby is starving if Africa.

Answer 2

I have a seventeen year old that I have tried to keep dressed modestly. For the most part, she has been pretty good about it. There have been times though when it was a struggle. I think the fashion of today is conducive to boys to want to look and that of course leads to more trouble. I believe that is part of the reason why todays teens are so promiscuous. With teenage pregnancy being at an all time high one would think a parent would buy clothes that were a little more conservative. But that goes along with being a responsible parent and many parents do not have time to be more than a friend to their children. Or at least that is how it seems.

Answer 3

I believe in God but am not religious as such. I would say that a 7 year old girl is too young to dress in a remotley provocative way. She has plenty of time to grow up. When i was 7, 21 years ago, i dressed like an average little girl of that time, in basic dresses and skirts and blouses. It made choosing my own style when i got to about 13 years old more exciting. Being a Christian or not makes no difference in my opinion.

Answer 4

I was just talking about that yesterday. I raised 2 sons who are both adults now. I thank God for having them cause I had said that if I had daughters who dressed with short shirts letting the belly button in the front and a g string hanging out the back of a pair of very low cut pants, If their breast were pushed up so the cupith flowith over that I would of followed them into school and dragged them by the ear into a ladies room to change into clothes properly suited for school. I as a teenager had a mom who didn't care what I wore and I still dressed in a proper way. So to answer you, NO I WOULD NOT PERMIT IT.

Answer 5

Debra M, you are obviously an intelligent and rational person, and I normally enjoy both reading and answering your questions.

On this occasion, I have to ask; what is this to do with christianity? Do you honestly think that either those of a different religion, or none at all, live in a pit of lust and decadence?

Part of growing up is to establish ones own identity, and to test the boundaries. Rebellion is all part of that.

I have a friend who is, by her own admission, an "old hippy". Very free reign, very liberal. When her son was about 16, he actually said to her "Will you please stop agreeing with me. Lay down some rules I can break. Give me a chance to be a rebel"

Answer 6

Nope, and Nope.

Despite current trends, I still like the old standbys - dresses & skirts no more than an inch above the knees, shirts that have buttons that go all the way up, or have actual collars. Jeans or slack that don't ride too low or that are so snug one can see panty lines. Speaking of which, what's the point of celibate girls wearing dental floss underwear?? Nobody else is supposed to see them, and I KNOW it's GOT to be uncomfortable...

I am grateful that my county's school system has made this a bit easier - the kids wear uniforms, & the policies are strictly enforced.

As for others, it's their choice, but at the same time, girls who dress like this should be prepared to be "judged" by their dress - trying to attract a man, being a stumbling block for married men, provoking those men who's motives may not be as pure as they seem... Same thing goes for Christians' children - they may allow them to dress this way, as long as they are prepared for the innevitable.

Answer 7

I have a 14 yr. old daughter. I do not have to actually watch what she wears because she knows what is appropriate and what is not. But, if for some reason she did try to leave the house wearing something that was a "Barbie" fashion it would be a long time before she would be allowed to leave the house outside of church and youth again.
It is wrong to dress in a manner that brings attention to yourself that is sexual in nature. It is not fair to the girl or the guy's/men that they are asking to have impure thoughts.

Answer 8

Seriously, I don't think you're gonna see any kid dressed like THAT. Do they even make this in human sizes?

This is a doll, Debra. I understand your concern about this type of "fashion", but it's for a doll, isn't it? The site only shows the doll and the case it comes in. It doesn't reference anything about the outfit being available for anything else but the doll.

No way would I allow a child of mine to wear that outfit.

I think the last time I saw a child wear something like that was JonBenet Ramsey.
Nuff said?

Answer 9

The bible tells followers of Christ in 1 Timothy 2:9,, I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. (NIV). Timothy was saying we must dress modestly, that fancy clothes won't hide bad character. Many religions interpret that differently, saying that women can't wear make-up or have to hide their arms and legs.

I am an Evangelical Chrisitan woman who is a member of the Baptist church. I have a 19 year old daughter who is beautiful and thin and could wear today's fashions, she is also a Christian. A few years ago, when short shorts and belly shirts were in, she wanted to wear them. We decided that when she was with her friends in places where she wouldn't offend people or bring attention to herself with her clothes that it would be okay to wear them. Places that she should dress more modestly were like church, family gatherings, the mall or school. Appropriate places were our home, her friend's homes, running (because she's a runner) or the beach. We agreed together that her testimony would be in question if she dressed inappropriately. Friends who looked up to her because of her Christian beliefs would notice if she looked too scantily clad.

Try compromising with your daughter. Work together to come to a solution. Maybe kinda short shorts with a looser tshirt, or a tighter shirt covered partly with a zip up hoodie.

Remind her that non-Christians are watching her dress and behavior closely. If she follows the crowd, she might make a brother or sister stumble or lose a chance to witness to a seeking friend.

Answer 10

I am a Christian but that is really not the basis of my response.
I find it frightening when I think about the messages the way teens, and even younger girls dress. They all dress as though they are on display and are at least 25 years old. Ten year olds do not need to use make-up. We allow children to dress as though they are adults and then fret about promiscuity in the early teens. Parents need to take responsibility and recognize that dress is a precursor to behavior.

Answer 11

I agree. I have a son, no daughters, but I've seen the clothes they're marketing to young girls, have seen the K-5 children at my son's elementary school, and I'm floored. I saw a girl, she must have been 8, in a micro mini, tights, and knee-high boots. Self expression aside, it does make me anxious to see such young children displaying themselves like so much meat. I'd want my daughter to "fit in" with her friends, but I'd have to draw a line somewhere.