Hannah Montana

I think they are all overated and more parents need to be like you. It sends the message that in order to achieve success you have to be a star.
I also feel for the young stars having to grow up so fast. They do not get to live a normal lifestyle in public. So you do what you feel is best and not worry what others think. You are setting good values and morals and that is what is lacking in today's already out of control world. Let me say these idols come and go. And what is the point. I personaly think some choices these teen idols make in the public eyes aren't so good for little ears and eyes.

There is nothing wrong with that and shame on the other moms who expose and encourage their younger children to watch/ listen to Hannah Montana. 4 Year olds should be watching Sesame Street. My 8 year old daughter is not into Hannah Montana and she gets the same response from people- I applaude her for not following the crowd. Keep up the good work!!

When my son was young it was mutant ninja turtles (Gak). I had less controll than I wanted. My husband's family gave my son 5 cousins - all boys a few months to 2 years older. They all had the sarcastic, vengance-seeking, vigilanty characters, along with their weapons of choice, presented to them as 'toys'. My inlaws thought I was depriving my son and made sure to give them to him as Christmas presents so he could 'play' with the rest of his cousins. He was 3. I also had a brother who let him watch the violent 'cartoons' after I had clearly told him it was not on his acceptable list. He changed overnight and I still regret the choices my relatives made in this regard. If you can keep your child away from such fads, kudos to you!

All that said, I do feel there is a great benefit to discussing these issues in forums like this. It isn't about judging each other, but rather about respectfully sharing our various perspectives, thoughts, understandings, and experiences. I don't feel a bit judgmental toward people who allow HM and other pop shows for their children. Nor do I judge parents who don't have a television or only play DVDs that present their religious views. I trust that most parents are doing their best with what they know or believe to be true. But, I do think this is a great forum to share our understndings about the benefits and risks TV programs present. We can give each other food for thought and expand all our understandings in the process. What could that hurt?

I will admit that I only watched the Cyrus' family show one time. I do think they are trying to meet people where many of us live - in a culture of uncertain moral discipline. I've seen a lot of sitcoms in my life. I grew up with I Love Lucy and Dick Van Dike. There is one family sitcom that I feel outshined all others - The Cosby Show. I loved the example of a family that could be witty, intelligent, funny, loving, creative, and respectful without giving in to cheap sarcasms, puns, and selfishly manipulative antics as the basis of their humor. Even looking back on I Love Lucy, which my grandmother just loved, I see a sitcom that is largely based on people with petty and imature motives tricking and cheating each other. It even has some episodes where her husband spanks her as a punishment like she was a child!

I think we have learned to accept a lot of poorly written programs that encourage us to accept cultural weaknesses by providing an oportunity to laugh at them. I'm all for comedy and lot's of laughter, but why not be funny in a way that lifts our spirits and edifies our minds? It can be done if we hold out for it. But, if we keep letting corporations sells us the cheap goods, why would they every make the effort to improve?

I'm sure we could criticize any program or movie for some reason or another, but I do feel we could be creating programs of much higher quality for our children. They can be edifying without being corny, but it takes better vision and more work than most of the programs we see today. One way we can have an impact is to write to the industry. Another is to buy the products that support better program options. But, ultimately, it is up to us mamas to raise childrn who will grow up to write and produce better things for our grandchildren!

Thanks for bringing up the subject.

I totally agree with you. Kids now a days are growing up way too fast. I don't even think kids preteen should be obsessed with these things. You are doing great.

I complete agree with you, Hannah Montana is for older kids, there is nothing wrong with a four year old not being exposed to the subjects discussed in the program. There are plenty of other programs more suited for children her age. There are also other things for children of all ages to do rather that watch TV. Good for you for monitoring what you child is exposed to!!

I don't think you're unusual. My daughter is 5 and doesn't know the first thing about Hannah Montana. There's plenty of time for her to be a pre-teen. Right now I'm content with her being a kindergartener.

My daughter is 15, so she does like Miley, but I totally agree with you. There's no eason a four year old needs to be watching a show for teenagers. Shield her as long as you can! You're doing a good job!

You are not crazy! Our daughter was still into Dora at 4 and moving into a scooby doo phase. I managed to keep Bratz and Hannah out of the limelight until she was in Kindergarten and then her circle of influence grew and the other little girls enlightened her! :)

We still don't allow Bratz - but we did go ahead and let her have a hannah party for her 6th bdy and she has one hannah CD to listen to in her room.

Keep them little as long as you can is my view! The show is geared toward older kiddos anyway, I still wonder why my 6 year old relates to it!

Best of luck!

We don't have cable, dish or anything but an antenna. It's wonderful! My daughter doesn't get all that bad influence! She watches mostly educational DVD's or DVD's we approve of. A year ago we got the converter box and were finally able to pick up PBS. Oh, my gosh! That is the BEST programming I have ever seen. With our converter box, we pick up 3 channels of PBS. The kids shows are just wonderful. Another great part, there are no commercials, so she is not asking for toys! She watched CBS last Saturday morning and asked for about 10 items from the commercials. (Note to self!)

I am a Hannah Montana hater myself. My daughter is almost 6 right now. About a year ago, not knowing anything about Hannah Montana except she was so heavily marketed to my daughters age...I picked up a DVD of a few episodes from the $1 DVD rental box. I was horrified! Here is why...WHY WOULD I WANT MY DAUGHTER TO EMULATE MILEY STEWART? She's a smart-mouthed, sarcastic smart-aleck! That was the end of that. I asked my family to please not buy her a bunch of Hannah Montana stuff because she is not a role model for a young girl. (Personally, I can't believe Disney makes her character like that - what would be wrong with her being sweet?)

Her Daisy troop sold a lot of GS cookies and earned a lot of money. They are K and 1st graders. They wanted to go see the movie. So, I let her go (I'd been watching the previews and kinda thought the movie was a little about teaching her to be a good girl!). They needed help and I went along. The movie was actually very good, way, way better than I expected.

But...that doesn't change the fact that I am not about to let her start watching the episodes.

I want my daughter to learn to be good...not sassy!

So, you go Mo B! I'm right there with you and I know I make people mad when I say we are Hannah free and they want to know why - I tell them because she's a brat and I don't want Emily to look up to that.

I'm glad to hear there are other moms that feel the same!

My daughter is only 3, but I am sooooo on the same page as you. She has listened to a Hannah Montana CD at daycare, but other than that, she has no idea who she is. I also know that it is only a matter of time before she starts to realize some of these "other" characters. Just recently she has decided that Backyardigans is getting a little boring for her, which she lived, breathed, eat, slept, dreamed EVERYTHING Backyardigans and she has now started to moved on to Dora and Diego. So far though, she is into the animated characters and could care less about the "people" characters. I totally agree with the innocence though, I just wish that there were more parents out there that would realize that somethings should be kept for a later age.

When my kids were little pokemon was all the craze. People spent money on those cards like they were out of their minds. Their kids would bring them to school. It was ridiculous. My kids didn't sit in front of the tv all the time and we just dont participate in fads like that. I think its healthy not too. My kids never got into obsessing about anything like that.

It's just like how "lots" of parents go up to little ones and the first question out of their mouths is "do you have a boyfriend / girlfriend?". Why do we ask children that question? We have a generation right now that has "boyfriends and girlfriends" when they are 5, 6, 7, 8 etc... and we wonder why our girls are so screwed up. We make "relationships" the most important thing in their lives. When people asked my kids that in front of me - I nicely said we don't do that - were only in first grade or whatever... Our kids have to know that they are great and capable without someone by their side.

Sorry Im venting,
L. (H now)

Why are you even questioning yourself? Good for You! Yes indeed it won't be long until she's obsessing over something...

I wish MY 5yo didn't know who she was, though she's not really obsessed, she just likes the singing/dancing part. It seems like my younger daughter skipped a lot of kiddie shows because of my OLDER daughters tv watching. Just a note to watch for that with your younger child that I never thought of...not that your son will be into HM LOL!

Hi, I can see you have your fair share of advice on this but I'm going to add my 2 cents worth. My daughter is turning 9 in a few weeks and we defintely went through the Hannah Montana phase. In light of recent events, we have veered away from Hannah Montana. I no longer think she's a good/fun role model to have. I kind of feel like Miley's parents have thrown her to the wolves in letting her make her own decisions. And instead of explaining why she shouldn't be dating a 20-year-old man to my daughter we've just decided to tell her, "she's trying to be too grown up, let's watch something else."

I will reiterate what you've already been told, don't doubt yourself. If something doesn't sit well with you, then that's that.

Ignore the mom's who look at you weird and do what you feel is right. Four is way too young to be so wrapped up in that kind of stuff. Teach your kids to like what they like, becasue they like it, not because everyone else likes it. She should be using her imagination, not watching some over-hyped teenager dance around and sing anyway.
Personally I don't like Sponge Bob or Rugrats and I don't let my kids watch them. I too have gotten the look about that, but oh well... I don't like rudeness and to me those shows are rude. I say no and I don't care if someone else has an issue. They are my kids. My rules in my house.

Mo,
My daughter will soon be 5 and has never seen a Hannah Montana episode, etc. I just think she needs it. She has a little friend in preK that is very into her. Thankfully, mine is still into Disney Princesses and Dora! Even with the outside influence she still shows no signs of wanting to know more about her, and in my opinion that is wonderful.
My kids don't even know who Spongebob is, and I get the "I can't believe that" eye from alot of other parents. I don't even think he is appropriate. :-) Stick to your guns, she is your baby, keep her that way as long as you can!
God bless, J.

I agree with you and your decision and my 4 1/2 year old daughter is not allowed to watch Hanna Montana. I think there is a scary trend in society that is allowing children to grow up a little faster than normal. I figure, at this age, I have a lot of control over this. One good reason NOT to let her watch HM is the way that she talks to her parent on the show. She's very sassy and you can believe that your young child with soak that right up. I have friends and my daughter has friends who parents don't see anything wrong with it. But my daughter is under instruction to say that she is not allowed to watch it if she is visiting someone else's house. Our nanny let her watch it once and my daughter told me, so now she has an "APPROVED" watch list and anything not on the list is out. I think HM is alright for a 10 year old or older but not a kid that's not even in Kindergarten.

Good Job Mom!

I agree with you completely. I don't think there's anything wrong with HM per se, but, like you said, she's a teenager and your daughter is four. Let her be into younger things (Dora, Elmo, whatever) while she can still enjoy them. There's plenty of time for the teen stuff later.

No, you're not wrong at all. My oldest didn't discover Hannah until she was 6, was obsessed for about 7 months and then moved on to Scooby-Do. The funniest part is, she has handed down all of her HM CD's and DVD' to her 2yr old brother who loves to dance to them. I think that most kids at 4yrs old or younger, like HM more for the upbeat music than the character herself. So, if she does get into the tween-scene at an early age, rest assured it's not likely to be much of an influence on her other than to get her movin' to the music. But I'm with you... no need to rush them. She's better off with Dora.

I haven't done anything with Hanna either. My 8 year old keeps reminding me that these "little daycare kids" have already seen her movie! Whatever. I've been wondering if I should let her.

Suzi

Don't doubt yourself, mom. Stick to your guns. That's your home and your child, do what you feel is right for your family. Nobody else should matter. There are so many other toys and characters for our children to latch on to. Don't make it a big deal. I have an 8 yr old and 13 yr old, and they both like HM, but I don't make a big deal out of her or any other characters for that matter. They have hung posters in their rooms, but also of others like Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, etc. I don't make a big deal out of it. I do purchase some items (pens, folders, toys) but if it's overly priced, I pass. We didn't go see HM in concert because I just couldn't afford it. 13 yr old crushed, but she got over it. I took them to see the 3D movie even though I felt it was robbery, charging more for her movie than a regular movie. Anyway, I'm rambling, follow your gut. They grow up fast enough, they don't have to follow the crowd.

You are my hero!!!! I kept my girls away for longer than a lot of people, but it happened - they discovered Hannah. But they never got as bad as some. They do like her show but we've taken Disney Channel away as a punishment and it didn't bother them to not watch it. They like the songs, but they like Pink Floyd too (thanks Dad). So I think you are doing a great job of keeping her away, and as long as you never make a big deal about it, I bet when she gets in school she won't get that into her either. Like I said, my 2 girls like her, but they are not obsessed with her. We actually went to the movies on Good Friday and I gave them the choice of watching Monsters vs. Aliens or the new Hannah moving - they picked Monters vs. Aliens. Keep up the good work!!

I don't blame you for not going out of your way to introduce Hannah Montana to your daughter. But even if you did there is nothing wrong with Hannah Montana. It's a funny, wholesome show surrounded by friends, family and music. At 12yrs old my daughter is over the Hannah Montana craze...the clothes, posters and cd's (we even went to the concert at Sprint Center last year) are a thing of the past. It was fun while it lasted. She has moved on to the Twilight books, has read them all and we saw the movie. My daughter still likes Miley Cyrus music and she does want to see the new movie, which I hear is worth watching. For now I'm just glad she's not boy crazy!

Mo...I wouldn't look at you like you were a one eyed monster = ) My daughter is 8, she hasn't seen any of the Hannah Montana shows...for one thing, we do not have cable, and for another, even though she has "heard" of her, she has shown zero interest. I don't think there is a thing in the world wrong with wanting our "children" to stay children for a while...this push to interduce them into being mini pre teenagers drives me bonkers. I want my little girl to dress, act and talk like a little girl for as long as possible = ) They have more than enough time to play at being all grown up when they are in their actual teen years, for goodness sake I look back at myself when I was 17, 18 even 19...those are soem immature years there...I don't think I Truelly grew up until I had my first child.
Lots of luck...feel no guilt = )
B.

That kind of thing I liken to "mental candy." All sugar, no substance and BAD for children! Also addictive, "everyone elses' mom lets them get a sugar high - why won't you let me?!", and leads down a slippery slope. What's next? Horrifying, I say!

my daughter is 5 now but for the past year or so ago she has been listening to HM. I have a 10yr. that listens. Jule knows most of the words to most of the songs. I do think Miley is a good roll model. Im not a country fan but I saw billy ray interviewed the other day on Bonnie and They have some really good roots. God lovin people. Now I hope she doesnt fall like some of the others but I dont think the others had good ole roots like miley.

I am with you on the subject. I think Hannah Montana is for older kids and the idea of the show is just lost on the younger ones. I also think that no matter what others think it is still your child and your choice. If parents don't do something to make sure our kids learn how to be a productive person now, what is going to happen when they are older? You stick to your guns and don't worry what others think about it, I know I sure don't.

I have the same issues...not with HM but with Yo Gabba Gabba and especially Spondgebob. I have chosen to let my daughter know who HM is...she rarely watches the show. DD pretends she can sing in her fake microphone and has a few HM items. But, just bedause I let her know who she is and sometimes watch does not mean I have no common sense.
To each family there are priorities and I think it's great to hear other women's views on the subject, however please don't judge. You said you get looks from other mothers that is judgemental.

I think you are absolutely right. My 4 year old is a boy but I like to stick with Curious George and Bob the Builder. I have a girlfriend whose daughter had a High School Musical 4th birthday party and I was shocked - apparently they had watched the movie in preschool!!! If you start doing that kind of stuff at that age you'll need to be watching R rated movies in 5th grade!!

I am with you 100%. My daughter is 3 1/2 and is perfectly content with Disney Princesses right now...even still holding on to Dora a little bit. She has older cousins and neighbor kids that like Hannah Montana though, and is curious. She's also seen the toys, which look like Barbie dolls, and all the other merchandise, and wants it strictly because the older kids have it. I've never let her watch the show because I don't feel it is age appropriate. I don't see why so many parents are rushing their children to grow up so fast. I also think Miley Cyrus is a bit overrated and don't see her as a role model for little girls. Good for you for standing by what you believe in and not letting others pressure you! :)

My 8 year old isn't in to Hannah Montana either. In fact she got invited to one of her good friends' birthday party last weekend and they were all going to see the new Hannah Montana birthday and, at first, she didn't want to go because, in her words, "I'm not really that in to Hannah Montana." But then changed her mind and decided to go since it was her good friend and some of her other friends would be there. I know that the shows are good clean fun, especially compared to some of the stuff out there today, but not everyone has to be 'in to it'. I feel like you do in that, preteen/teen topics, subjects, etc, just aren't for the younger ones. Besides, that way there's no problem later when 'Hannah' is in her 20s and an adult and your daughter is still just a child and wants to emulate her.

I think it's easy for kids to be influenced by other kids at daycare/school and become interested in what they like.
My son had never seen a Power Rangers episode, but was still running around acting like a Power Ranger (which is why I never let him watch...too violent for a then 3-year old). He was kind of obsessed with them...so much that daycare providers asked me how much he was exposed to the show. When I said he had never seen it, they looked at me in disbelief.
Fortunately, the kids that were his influence had gone on to Kindergarten and that 'phase' went with them. I breathed a sigh of relief when he got back into playing with cars, trucks and dinosaurs.
My point is, unfortunately, you can't always escape the things that you don't want your child exposed to. I'm not saying to stop trying (I agree to let them be children for as long as they can possibly hold on to this tiny phase of life), I'm just saying brace yourself (as you know) for when school starts and she has tons of other influences!

I agree with you. I have a 3 1/2 year old and I am not into her watching the Pre-teen shows yet. I don't want her watching Hanna, Zach and Cody and those type of shows. One good thing for us right now is that we don't have cable or anything, just the antenna so we only get PBS but on Saturday they do come on channel 30 and we just keep it off that channel and she doesn't even know about it. I want her to be little while she can because one of these days she won't be anymore and I'll have other issues to deal with then. Let them be little and enjoy the shows they can learn from. We also have a 10 month old and I don't want her watching those types of shows at this time. I don't know if she is "bad" or anything, just to old for toddlers and pre-school aged kids. Good luck!

I feel the same way! My daughter is 7 1/2 and I kept her from all that until last year--when she was 6--and a friend had a Hannah Montana birthday party. I still don't let her watch any episodes about dating or mature subject matter (I drv everything) and her interest is slowly fading except for liking the music. I definitely don't want her thinking Miley Cyrus is an idol either! Just don't make a big deal out of it and she probably won't care either.

I totally agree! I don't have girls, but I think you're right in screening the information that your kids are exposed to. She'll have plenty of input from our 'culture' when she goes to school. You decide what parts of it you want to support in her life.

I've tried to keep certain obnoxious and violent cartoons and toys out of my son's vocabulary. He sees it at school, and I explain (to the 7 year old - who understands) why his father and I don't want him to watch and/or play with those items and concepts in our home. When he is away at neighbor's and friends, I'm sure he explores, but he knows what we think about it. I think that sends a powerful message, and hopefully will help him to make discriminating decisions in the future.

My daughter is only 11 months old, but I have worked as a teacher and caregiver for preschoolers and young gradeschoolers.
Let me start by saying I totally agree with you and support your decision! There is no reason a 4 year old needs to be watching a show about a teenager (she is not even a pre-teen anymore)and be worried about older social issues and what-not. She should enjoy being a little girl, not worried about boys, popularity and what other children think of her. You are right, when she starts school, she will be introduced to all sorts of things at a way to young age, but until that day, you are in charge of what she intakes. Just because something is popular DOES NOT make it right. So just hang in there and tell those other parents how you feel, and perhaps recommend them a few new AGE APPROPRIATE shows/movies to introduce to their children (in a non offensive way of course.) Just ignore their criticism, after all, you have your daughters best interests at heart, and that's what matters.

Hello Mo,

No, I don't see any reason why not to let your daughter know of HM or MC. I agree with you completely. You have the right to do so. Kids need to be kids for as long as they can before they "turn" into someone else.

However, my daughter loves HM...but she's eleven. That's a bit older than four. My daughter has posters of HM, books, movies and CD's. Yes, she's a big fan. We have had several talks reminding her that MC is just a person like her and makes mistakes. She's only human and needs to be treated as such.

I don't see anything wrong with kids having someone to look up to, but boundaries need to be set. Something like this can get out of control.

I think you're doing the right thing by hiding HM from your daughter. She's too young to act like a star-ravaged teenager. Good job! ls