inappropriate clothes for little girls

Surely the problem is simply that anyone who is in it for the money cares very little about the effect it has on the consumer?

Look at all of the unpleasant, sweet, fatty, salty confections that are aimed at children; look at all the rubbish television that they are invited to watch.

One could hope for a granddaugher like Hennothefirst's, but the reality is that most children like to be part of the herd, however individualistic they are at heart.

I cannot work out where my beautiful, intelligent, idioscyncratic granddaughter (aged 5) learned to love pink - not from her family, that is for sure. But she does love pink.

I vowed at her birth I was never going to buy her pink clothes, and I have stuck to it. But it is really hard to find attractive colours for an alternative. And she does look gorgeous in blue...

The problem is not only the clothes but also the shameful sexualisation of children through almost all forms of media. Parents who do take responsibility (and I accept that many don't) for their child's viewing habits, clothes, reading materials etc. are constantly undermined by the 'in your face' presence of sexual images everywhere. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUV6S9PV3Ls&feature=youtu.be
Having worked with children who have been sexualised I know first hand the danger such media images present to our children. I don't often find reason to agree with Mr. Cameron, but if he acts on this issue I shall send him a letter of support.

There is a movement gathering momentum led by the Mother's Union to address the issue of the sexualisation and commercialisation of children. A report can be seen at http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jun/03/cameron-backed-report-commercialisation-childhood

However, I think much of it is being driven by parents who purchase inappropriate clothes for little girls or send them to dance classes where they are taught what could be seen as erotic dancing. There was even one school of dance that was offering pole-dancing classes for pre-teens.

The report is being informed by mumsnet.

A good way to try and prevent your dds or dgds from becoming over-princessed by fashion gurus, is to teach them not to mind being different. My 10yo d goes around in odd socks every day, including at school, wears trousers and skirts at the same time, vests on top of long-sleeved t-shirts, and so forth. She has had her own ideas since she started to dress gherself ar 3yo and i have encouraged her. My older two were similar. Eldest once went to school aged about nine in an old t-shirt of mine: she wore it as a dress. Nobody even commented (out loud) because they didn't dare. Nobody has to be a sheep. Strong characters make their own fashion statements.

Inspite of my name,I agree with you dorsetpennt
I chose this name so I could have a laugh at myself, I am sick of little girls being referred to as princess.To me it means spoilt brat.

I never go into Primark because my DIL has already complained about their unsuitable clothes. Do the people who design the clothes not have children, do they want their daughters looking like miniature adults ?

Go into Primark - their clothes for little girls are horrendous and far too 'sexy' often with suggestive remarks on the front.
Although Gap and O Llly clothes cost they are super. The latter being in lovely primary colours, comfortable and fashionable. I hate it when people 'princess ' their daughters. I visited a friends daughter recently - her 6 year had the pinkist bedroom I've ever seen. All her clothes were pink, I am Princess or I am a Diva on the front. The child told me that being a diva meant being difficult and insisting on your own way - and that is how she behaved.

Some years ago the pre-teen daughter of a friend bought herself a top with 'Fcuk like a rabbit' on the front! Needless to say the item was returned and a complaint made. My 10 year old grand daughter likes to wear fashionable clothes, and some of the children's styles do seem inappropriate.

Watching little girls dancing like Beyonce, Rhianna and others is quite disturbing. I think some of the performances shown on TV for family viewing are far too raunchy.

Let children have a childhood instead of expecting them to grow up so early!

Let's be realistic. If parents didn't buy such clothes for little girls, then retailers wouldn't stock them They are meeting a demand. What I can't understand is why parents choose to dress primary school kids as little adults or worse - as somethng which would appear in a paedophile's dream! My 11 year-old granddaughter has just started wearing a 32A bra. Try to find one that's simple and white. Almost impossible.

M&S is not the only culprit of unsuitable clothes for children, they can be bought in most childrens shops, so the campaign would need to be nation wide!

Good for you. Lets keep up the pressure.

I was trying to buy shorts for my granddaughter when i was with her in Australia. The area where they live the only clothes shops are fairly surfy. Loads of board shorts for boys. (i.e. comfortable shorts that finish just above the knee and give some sun protection) Very few for girls. And once girls get past 6 there was a sudden size jump to 8 -13 year old sizes and teenage, sexy styles - much shorter length and lower cut on hips. It was a real struggle to find any shorts at all suitable for a 6 year old, which is ludicrous.

Infuriating.

And I have had this kind of bland response from M and S before when complaining about selling chickens in aluminium trays. About 5 years later they stopped doing it...