Recessive jeans

Okay, look. Regarding my last post: I'm not running for political office, so stop asking. I don't have enough DWIs, drug offenses or draft-dodging experience... I could never win.

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I made the mistake of wandering into Abercrombie & Fitch the other day to look for jeans for my daughter. A group of girls strolled out dressed a little like this:

First, the girls I went to school with looked nothing even close to this mature. Could it be that growth hormones we feed cattle and chickens, or MTV, are getting into the kids?

Anyway, it made me think about a post I wrote recently, so I'm re-posting it for shits 'n giggles:

It has become so bad, pop culture has developed a name for them, "prosti-tots." Influenced by Britney Spears and others who came into the spotlight as children, parents are giving in to their kids' demands to be allowed to dress and act like adults... even trampy ones. Consequently, we have successful stores like Hollister, Deb, etc., new lines of children's make-up, and an entire generation of underaged hoochie-mamas who are dressing like their older, street-walking counterparts.

First, let me tell you what I am NOT: a prudish old man who walked to school barefoot in the snow, worked as a blacksmith and laments the days of the outhouse.

What I AM: the father of a teenage daughter... which, when done correctly, is far harder than snow walking, blacksmithing or sub-zero pooping. On our shopping trip last weekend, I finally okayed a pair of boots with 2-3 inch heels. She has bugged me about them for a couple of years now - and since she's almost 17, I finally gave in. I did so with a bit of trepedation, a fear of what she will want next, and sadness that she's growing up. It's not like I make her wear bloomers, and fasten her top button... but it was a big step for me - and for her.

I know she felt my hesitation. More importantly, I think she appreciated it. She really is a good girl, and has been a pretty good sport about my conservative clothing requirements. She made it through her younger years without becoming a prosti-tot.

Now, I need to make sure she doesn't become an ad-ho-lescent.

PS - Let me say this. I realize this policy has implications with peer pressure and her ability to "fit in." She handles it well and we compromise frequently, so all parties are satisfied. I am thankful she hasn't gone "goth" on me yet, but at this point, if she chooses to, it's her choice. She's old enough to make those decisions.

Hey, you influence them while you can, then you have to let go and cross your fingers.