Children are susceptible to a lot of things in this world, and there seems to be negativity lurking in every corner, especially when it comes to the internet and celebrities. It's like they're exposed to a whole different universe. One where flashy things are the norm, the partying lifestyle is romanticised and the behaviour of those in the spotlight is questionable to most. "The industry", right?
Celebrities' lifestyles are constantly under criticism, which is understandable because it is in the public eye and information – and images – are just a Google search away. While everyone has their own opinion on how those in the spotlight live their lives, these celebs shouldn't ultimately be held accountable for your children's actions.
Do you think it's fair to expect celebrities to be role models for children? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
I mean, we have no control over how others live their lives and the choices they make, no clue as to what their next move is. Yet we blame them for not being role models? It doesn't really make sense.
A few years ago, renowned musician and businesswoman Rihanna was quite vocal about how she never signed up to be a role model, saying in an interview, “I just want to make music. That's it."
Whether you agree with the context of her music or not, she's going to be a multimillionaire regardless.
Celebrities are flawed human beings just like everyone else. To expect them to change is like saying, "How dare you not live your life according to my standards?" Let’s not forget that these are also people with their own families. They are also somebody’s child. If they wanted criticism on how to live their lives, I'm sure their own parents will do just fine.
- Also see: What is your child's love language?
A lot of the times, artists who are signed to management are instructed to act a certain way and uphold a certain image that ties in with their "brand". This can often purely be for capitalist agendas, it's all about what will get the most sales.
I think many of us seem to forget that role models begin at home. We are the first point of reference our kids have on how to live a life; they are with us from the very beginning.
How we choose to raise our children is entirely up to us. We may not agree with everything that someone our kids admire does, but assuming that these celebs should fulfill a certain role ends up feeling like a personal attack when they don't live accordingly.
Yes, sometimes our children may want to be just like their favourite celebrity, and may even go as far as embodying their actions, but it’s not the celeb's job to teach our children right from wrong.
It's understandable for parents to expect certain influential figures who label themselves as wholesome and family-friendly to uphold that reputation. In that instance, the famous ones put themselves out there in a certain way, so it's okay to get a little upset by it.
But essentially, nothing can be done either way. There is always going to be something new that may be concerning, always something new to look at. So why stress about things you can't control when you could channel that energy into being the best role model for your kids?
It's your responsibility to teach your children about addiction and how substances affect your body or anything else you may be concerned with. It's YOUR child, and quite frankly, these celebrities don't owe you anything.
Not to butcher a Gandhi quote or anything, but be the role model you wish to see in the world.
Do you think it's fair to expect celebrities to be role models for children? Let us know by emailing us at chatback@Parent24.com and we could publish your comments. Do let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
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