Parenting Daily

In light of the recent scandal with 15 year old Disney star Miley Cyrus, many parents are re-thinking their teens’ role models. True, most of Miley’s fans are pre-teens and ‘tweens, but the fact is, the girl is 15. She’s 15, she’s rocketed to super-stardom in the last couple of years, she’s going through adolescence all the while, and then she gets this fabulous opportunity to do a photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz. ANNIE LEIBOVITZ, folks! The only other photographer I know right off the top of my head besides Ms. Leibovitz is Ansel Adams. Having your child photographed by such an esteemed photographer is an extraordinary opportunity.  

Personally, I didn’t feel the “topless” photo was all that scandalous. I don’t see come-hither eyes, I don’t see blatant sexuality. I see a girl, perhaps modestly covering herself as she waits for her lady maids to draw her a bath, or a girl covering the parts of her body she isn’t currently bathing, such as in this artwork. If this “scandalous” photo was actually a painted portrait, would there be such an uproar?  

We, as a society, expect too much from celebrities—especially child celebrities. All of the uproar about Miley being a disappointing role model for young girls is hard for me to hear. Not only because I don’t think the pictures are distasteful, but also because the number one and two role models in any child or teen’s life are… drum roll please… their PARENTS.  

Do not put the responsibility of shaping your teen’s morals, values, and your expectations for their behavior on celebrities. Do not blame celebrities when they make wrong choices. Their choices should have nothing to do with the teen you are raising. Your choices, your beliefs, your morals, your values, and the way you lead your life are what your teens are going to have a better chance of taking after.  

As Michael Jackson once famously sang, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways.” Click here for complete song lyrics.

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