here's what I'm thinking...what do other parents think?

[MELSMICE]

Now, for the skank comment (I can't resist)...I personally don't like that comment. I know some of you will get mad at me for this but here goes...I work pretty much exclusively with domestic violence victims (90% of them women) in a police department. Many, if not all, are the victims of degrading behavior and comments. When we label women (or men) it tends to have a negative effect. Even if they don't hear you say the word they feel the disapproval. A young teenage girl who dresses inappropriately is doing so to seek out attention, for whatever reason. She is not trying to ruin a boy, she is trying to gain his attention. The teenage boys are not innocent either, they pay more attention (even if it is negative) to the girls who "let it all hang out". The media (music videos, Brittney Spears, Jessica Simpson, etc) dress that way too, and everyone seems to think that is okay. Society has mixed messages and for a girl of 15 it may be hard to understand why its okay for rap stars and rock stars to wear it and not them. When my son's friends dress inappropriately I try and comment on something about them that does not involve the "outfit". Like "you have such beautiful hair" or "what an amazing tennis player!" Girls in todays world NEED more self confidence because the media portrays them in such a superficial light. I would cry if my son described a girl as a skank or any other derogatory comment. We can have values without blaming or pointing out others.

That was put into words beautifully! Thanks!