HTT - Modesty Edition

Miss Dub and I recently went swimsuit shopping since at 19 months she is already growing out of her 2T suit. (Is this normal?)

I told her she could pick one out, and pick she did - a nice tropical-patterned one with a plunging neckline and deep backside. Whaaaat?

I had to give her a quick lecture on modesty, which I really hadn't been planning to deliver for a few more years. As a result, it was a little haphazard and may have included the word "skeezy."

I'm all for kids clothes that mimic certain adult fashions. I adore a toddler in capris or a cropped sweater; I love tiny Converse or Pumas - but I do not want my daughter dressing like a grown vixen.

I think some people take this concept too far - it troubles me when I see a 3-year-old in a one-piece outfit with snaps, and I'm not into baby clothes adorned with Winnie the Pooh*. Also, I'm totally cool with my daughter wearing sleeveless tops or dresses, as long as they don't have spaghetti straps or the aforementioned Pooh graphics.

But small girls in plunging halters and skimpy bikinis trouble me. Not only because they are a pedophile's dream, but because such fashions send a message that more skin is better. (And that how you look is more important than who you are.)

I mean, they sell thong underwear in some children shops. Seriously? Because I don't think VPL should be a concern for someone who still wets the bed.

But obviously someone is buying it because it's available at most stores, and I see it on little girls in my area, although winter makes modesty more common.

What do you think?

Are we dressing our kids older than we should?

What are the fashion rules at your house?

And who is buying all the Pooh Bear clothes at Target?* (If you are, I never wrote that.)



*If you haven't caught on yet, I'm concerned about Pooh Bear's intentions. No offense to the rest of the Hundred-Acre Woods posse.