On March 1, our Professional Development Program Manager Coco McAtee appeared on Fox 4's morning news show to address recent news coverage on the affects of advertisers using dolls to influence young girls' perception about self, which in turn affects how they act or behavior. Click here to visit Fox 4 News.

Billions of dollars are spent in advertising to this target market of young girls. It can't help but affect how kids see themselves, how they choose to dress, how they interact with others and what they think is normal behevior. Parents are overwhelmed in their attempts to monitor what their kids see, find age-appropriate clothing, and to reshape the behavior into something positive. And the inappropriate advertising also shapes what boys think about girls, relationships, and body image.

Parenting tips

• Monitor what your children (boy or girl) watch
• Comment on what is and is not appropriate and why
• If you are the parent of a boy, also share what is appropriate so they understand what normal behavior and dress should be for girls
• Be selective about the clothing and media you are willing to buy - use your pocketbook to support appropriate clothing and media choice
• Join with your friends in an effort to advocate for more appropriate products and advertising for children

Book recommendation

• Packaging Girlhood by Lyn Mikel Brown

Website resources

• Project Girl
• Campaign For A Commercial-Free Childhood