Consuming Kids:The Commercialization of Childhood

[Seahawk100 Profile]

This outtake from "The Corporation" shows an interview with Lucy Hughes, explaining the rationale for marketers to manipulate children to nag their parents to influence purchasing decisions.

Great find, SP.

Blatant admission to what we already knew was true, and that is real toughie to fight- but it can be done. It is a good thing to know this and to act accordingly. There is professional information out there to help parents fight against this blatant manipulation. Most of it begins at home with the way that you educate your children.
Don't rely on even the best of schools to touch upon this subject with your children, that is one of the things that you, yourself, must teach them.

It's one thing to be constantly be bombarded with a child's wanting and begging for the new barbie palace, or the newest vid game equipment, or the latest fashion, etc., etc. but there are far more significant issues that come not too far behind these things, and at some point, they don't ask their parents anymore. As they advance in age and become more and more independent, they begin to go after the things that they want for themelves.

We absolutely know that peer pressure has a significant role in our children's choices, wants and desires. Peer pressure deserves an even closer look than corporate influence, as it involves, eventually, even more important issues that will/could affect your childs whole life. Sex, drugs, other illegal activities, and all the other associated behaviour and effects, and possible consequences, that go along with them will have a profound effect on your children, their development, and their lives. It should be every good parents desire to learn how to deal with peer pressure, as early as possible in their childs development, and to educate them in this matter. There is a lot of help out there to assist you in combatting this issue. The net is but one source of help available to parents, but there is an abundance of intellectually and professionally compiled information designed to help parents with this issue. Take advantage of it and good luck.

Here are just a few:

http://crime.about.com/od/juvenile/a/peers.htm

http://www.parenting-ed.org/handout3/Sp ... essure.htm

http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publicat ... efault.asp

[Simplyput Profile]

nice links, thanks!

[Simplyput Profile]

Seriously, parents need to be tougher on their kids by means of educating the kid to "Capitalism" and the subculture of "gotta have it."

I hear you, but exactly how does an 8yr old have the capacity to understand Capitalism?
They won't. All they want is to fulfill the status that is constantly being intervened on them. I agree that parents have to go above and beyond to combat this, but it's an uphill battle and there should be some more stringent regulations to keep young children from being marketed to by the wrong types of companies.

[sockpuppet Profile]

Jokes aside. Good post. Jet has a point, T.V is BAD.!!! ( I think we all know that, but how many of us actually live by it?) Then there's peer pressure, how the hell do you get them away from that- (Unless you lock them in the basement until they're 21. ; > } Number one problem are the parents that allow it. Of course, how can you say no to little spock, or little low6, or little sockpuppet when it's "But Dad/Mom, EVERYBODY ELSE HAS ONE!!!!.?" That's a toughie, I'm sure. Any ideas on how to combat this, you guys?

Because we mommies and we daddies have sneaky tricks up our sleeves. My kids know, when it comes to junk food, they get one a day. I don't care if they have it as a soda with lunch or a brownie after dinner, they know what is in the kitchen and they know they can pick ONE. The only food "rewards" I give out is letting my ultra-picky eater pick what's for dinner.

As for everything else, if it is something they need (new shoes) then I give them a dollar and limit and they pick. If it is something they don't need ( a new toy) then they know my response- "wait till your birthday!", (or if it is something I am not thrilled about)-"make it yourself or else wait a year". Most of the time, they don't want it any more after a month. My eldest is savvy enough at this point to recognize what are fads, and doesn't "fall" for a lot of them. Also, if there is something you don't like that is being advertised, tell them! If I see something stupid or wasteful or whatever that is being advertised on TV, I talk about it (or else I say nasty things to the actor on the TV ). "Who would want such-and-such a thing,it's so XXXXX!" or "Do you really think that game is going to give you more friends?" or "I'll bet no one will want it next year, and whoever still has one will be a dork!". My eldest is also figuring out copy write formulas in ads... First, they make you think you have a need, then they show you something that will supposedly fill that need, then they remind you that really need that product and that they are doing YOU a FAVOR by selling this product to you. It's a simple 1-2-3... if you teach it to them, they WILL see.

It really is up to the parents, but I really believe that if you talk to your kids about these things and teach them responsible decision-making then it does get easier. But then again, I was kinda mean when they were really little... Sometimes I would randomly say "no" to things for no reason at all except that I had said "yes" to too much that week and didn't want the kids to feel they were the boss. When the toddler tantrums get shorter, you know you are winning.

[Seahawk100 Profile]

Sock- I think you got it bang on- down to a science from the sound of things. Lol. Mucho respect to you. That's exactly the kind of parenting skills that are needed to put a damper on the evil, greedy consumerism manufacturing industry (marketing)- not to mention all the additional valuable lessons that this attitude and behaviour teaches them. Too bad that a lot of parents just give in, time after time. They don't even seem to realize that that just spells potential trouble down the road. Live and learn? That can be a costly experiment- in more ways than one.

Cheers to you!

[sockpuppet Profile]

Sock- I think you got it bang on- down to a science from the sound of things. Lol. Mucho respect to you. That's exactly the kind of parenting skills that are needed to put a damper on the evil, greedy consumerism manufacturing industry (marketing)- not to mention all the additional valuable lessons that this attitude and behaviour teaches them. Too bad that a lot of parents just give in, time after time. They don't even seem to realize that that just spells potential trouble down the road. Live and learn? That can be a costly experiment- in more ways than one.

Cheers to you!

There are a lot of parents who know what they are supposed to do and "how" to do it, but they just CAN'T. I never would have made it if it wasn't for my own mom who took the kids and let me have a break so many times. Many parents are just plain exhausted from work and life in general to deal with the 5 hour tantrums they'll get when they decide to put the foot down. Single parents have often have no support, couples sometimes can't agree on how to do things (and inadvertently undermine each other in the process), and grandparents still love to spoil their grandchildren. To make it worse, people in public side with the kids in little "innocent" ways... I can't begin to count how many strangers I would have loved to strangle who told me it was "ok" and "not to worry about it, your kids are cute!" while I'm trying to make the kids apologize for cutting them off or tripping them. Erg! Being cute does not make up for rudeness! But my kids aren't angels... I am still looking for the magic trick to make them stop fighting all day long.

[Seahawk100 Profile]

Sock, I completely agree with, and understand all that you said. It has got to be, no hands down, the most difficult job out there- raising kids- especially in today's environment. I give all parents a big cheer just for trying. All that said, one just has to do the best that they can. I guess my point is that at the very least, the parents should be cognizant of this. I know that ignorance is not necessarily their fault, especially in some of the circumstances that you listed in you last post. That's why we all should share these concerns with other friends, family, and others that we know, who could use it to their advantage. It is most definitely worthy of emphasis. I certainly have had similar conversations with my brother, and with my sisters. I spend time with and care for my niece and nephews on a regular basis, and it all ties together. As long as everyone that spends time with your children is aware of, and has some understanding of your concerns, your methods, and "rules," that you have for your children, then that in itself is a good help. Again, the emphasis is important and maintains a basis for consistancy- I believe. After that, then all you can do is hope for the best. Beginning to educate on these matters as soon as they can understand, and consistency, I believe, are the two most important things that we can do- at least for those of us that have the time, the ability, and the knowledge.

I know that it's easy to have an opinion, and I don't mean to come off like I know all the answers. I just want to share and help in a way that I can. I know that it is a most difficult task, and I don't mean to knock anyone, or to make judgements. Sorry if I came across that way.

[Mahsooyee Profile]

Seriously, parents need to be tougher on their kids by means of educating the kid to "Capitalism" and the subculture of "gotta have it."

I hear you, but exactly how does an 8yr old have the capacity to understand Capitalism?
They won't. All they want is to fulfill the status that is constantly being intervened on them. I agree that parents have to go above and beyond to combat this, but it's an uphill battle and there should be some more stringent regulations to keep young children from being marketed to by the wrong types of companies.

Parents can begin teaching a child at age seven or earlier about the economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained...in short teach the child to stand on their own legs at an early age and earn money via investment, etc for the things that "they" want instead of having it handed to them like they are being spoon fed! Corporations spend millions of dollars in marketing campaigns targeting kids who in turn pressure the parents...and I agree that there should be some regulations in place. There is no wrong company all are equal when it comes to products the only factor is the age group being targeted. Even that is subliminal when kids see a family loading up in the latest model vehicle with amenities for kids e.g. back seat TV or video / gaming players. Check out the number of commercials now with kids in them foreground or background...all designed to put pressure on the parents because the commercial is designed to make the kid relate to the product!

[sockpuppet Profile]

Sorry if I came across that way.

No, not at all!