Though it’s been a few weeks (month?),  I’m sure you’ve heard of the news regarding Miley Cyrus and the so-called “lap dance” video. If you haven’t seen the video, you can see it here. Things like “bad role model,” “did they have sex,” and “another bad move” are all being said about Miley Cyrus and the video.

When I first heard that there was a “lap dance” video out, my curiosity got the best of me and I looked it up. I was half-expecting Miley to be doing a mini strip-tease for some guy. Instead, I just saw a teenage girl dancing. And, my first reaction was not what you might expect. It was instead, “what’s the big deal?” Now, you might not agree and that is fine. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. But, let me share why I think this is being blown out of proportion:

• She’s 17…not 10. Actually, at the time the video was shot, she was 16.
• She’s dancing at a club. This is not a music video for one of her songs or some other piece of promotional material. It was a private moment.
• Dancing like the one they are doing in the video is standard. At least nowadays – actually, it’s been around for many many years. Heck, I did it when I was even younger than 16!
• Just because they’re dancing close, doesn’t mean they automatically had sex.
• Parents need to stop worrying about Miley Cyrus’ “bad” moves. Instead they should just be sure their kids don’t watch the video and/or use it as an opportunity to talk with them about it and whether or not it aligns with their family values.

I have a daughter. She’s 4. I get it. You don’t want negative images influencing your kids. I even wrote about how at this time, Hannah Montana doesn’t belong in our house – maybe in a few years. But, do you really think that it’s Miley Cyrus’ responsibility to ensure your kid is not influenced? Is she not allowed to have her own fun and be a teenager…just because she’s a public figure?

How about if we stop worrying about other kids? Instead let’s make sure that we talk with our kids and become their personal role models.

Have you watched the video? What was your initial reaction?

My daughter is 3. THREE!!! She does not need to know about Hannah Montana.

So, why does everyone and their mom think that it’s prime time my daughter be introduced to her?

Is this not a TV show for tween/teenage girls? I’ve seen it a couple of times and it’s definitely geared for girls 10 and up in my opinion. Lots of boy talk and jokes that are obviously meant for teenagers (and parents in some cases). And is there kissing? Not sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

So why oh why does my three year old need to even know that name?

She doesn’t.

Stop trying to give my three year old a Hannah Montana sticker. Or underwear. Or toy.

And stop asking me if she watches the show! You’ll get a quick, short, and loud NO! In fact, I might even turn it around on you and ask YOU why YOUR preschooler watches the show.

WHY INDEED???

I can’t imagine why little girls are introduced to make-up, nail polish, or such TV shows at such a young age, and then folks wonder why they want to act, dress, and look the same way when they are just a few years older. Then it becomes a problem?

I know I cannot keep my daughter away from Hannah Montana forever, or whomever it might be in a few years. It’s all over the place and it will be impossible to shield her. Nor do I want to “shield” her necessarily. I’d rather teach her than hide it from her.

But, for now…when she’s only three and I CAN control what she watches, what she wears, and who she listens to…believe me, I’m shielding her.

Hannah Montana will not be in our house. Or any of her similarly-acting sisters. Not for the next few years.

And, I’m about to throw away that stupid sticker she got from the urgent clinic.