Are children's fashions too grown up?

Teachers complain about fashions of children's clothes.

It is true to say these days that young children are becoming adults too quickly. They have become little adults in children's bodies. Considering the increased attention with peadophilia in the media why are some parents dressing their children in clothes that are too old for them. There seems to be a unhealthy urge amongst some parents to demand that their children grow up fast.

Teachers are complaining about the increase in material greed from children with groups of kids standing around discussing who has the most expensive pair of trainers or the latest mobile phone. It has also been suggested that children are now afraid to play as this is "uncool". While the increase in childhood obesity is becoming a major concern young couch potatoes are spending too much time absorbing the unhealthy message from the pressure of materialism and consumerism. Health and sport activities are not on all children's agenda these days.

Another worrying trend is the promotion of sexy underwear and seductive party clothes for six-year-olds as well as cheeky ring tones for their phones. With stickers on the backs of cars proudly advertisising that there are `brats on board' and children's handbags with the word 'bitch' on them, parents irresponsible behaviour is a growing concern.

Much of this reflects the lack of respect for children and also self-respect generally. Old fashion and meaningful qualities of truth and honour no longer seem appropriate in contrast to the obsession with the latest mobile phone and fashion excessary. Some children also show a arrogant attitude towards teachers and teaching because they think they know it all. They have a lack of respect for adults because adults no longer show any respect for them. To a certain degree we can not always blame children for the mistakes and lack of example shown by adults. Mankind is to blame and mankind must put it right.

Childhood is an important time for normal development, and forcing children to grow up too soon is not the way to create healthy, new generations.

A teacher reported the closing line of a child's poem, which said, `Happiness is being able to pay the mortgage'. This says much about our unbalanced world and our greedy, materialistic interests.