Lottie Dolls: Positive Picks for Healthier Play

Jan. 4, 2016 About a year after I wrote this initial post, Lottie dolls have reached the stars, with recent accolades as the first doll in space designed as Stargazer Lottie by a six year old Canadian child. On Dec. 15, 2015, she launched into the media with input from real life 'sheroes' like astronomer Karen Masters and a hand from our own filmmaker friend Elena Rossini of … [Read more...]

Truth in Advertising: A Bipartisan Body Image Bill Addressing Childrens’ Health

May 3, 2016 Take Part! Seth Matlins gives an update on the status of H.R. 4445, and continues his worthy campaign for children's wellness via this poignant post, "Dear Parents: Victoria's Secret is Also Raising Your Child." You can take action here to urge others to co-sponsor the Truth in Advertising Act, and follow Seth on Twitter using the #TruthInAds hashtag. (Image via … [Read more...]

2014: The Year Of Redefining Girly

Jan. 10, 2014 Even in just the last 5 years or so since the American Psychological Association Task Force reported about the harm of early sexualization and its impact on children (full 72pp APA study here) I’ve wondered “what’s taking so long, can’t people see this is a huge public health problem? Positive change feels glacial while negative influence feels like it’s been a … [Read more...]

Hollywood Climate Change: Warming to Sheroes or Still in Denial?

Jan. 7, 2014 2014 is the year of Redefining Girly. Not just Redefining Girly, the new book on gender stereotypes and sexualization of kids by parent actionist Melissa Wardy, but redefining girly in the creation of lead characters who aren’t all about form over function.Can you feel the climate change? The energy surge? The sardonic wit of media critics pointing out the tired … [Read more...]

Take Back Halloween: Debunking the Mythology of Market Demand

Update Oct. 22, 2016 Check out the new 2016 Take Back Halloween Costume Contest! (deadline to enter  11-6-16) And...in case any hipster parents are mumbling "what's the harm it's 2016, lighten up, people" I'm adding this "What about the boys" reminder which is wince-worthy realizing I've been covering this topic for so long, and this  study on sexualized body image and … [Read more...]