Child Stars as Role Models for your Kids

Apr 15, 2011
Iva Paneva

Kids Role Model - Iva Paneva

You might try to create the perfect environment for your child. How much do you know about your child's celebrity role models?

Children in their teen years get so easily influenced by the surrounding world. Giving them strong values and a good foundation is the responsibility of every parent. When it comes to the outside influences such as friends, media, TV and social pressures and expectations, parents often tend to overlook the dangers.

Celebrities influence your child's image

Psychologists often emphasize the role of self-image and identity formed in the development years of a child's life. They recommend the necessity to give your child the space to create his/her own sense of individuality. Even though the child's desire for independence is important, the images and influences of their favorite cartoon character or TV star has a greater impact on them than you might think.

Monitor your child’s favorite TV shows

Children television programs, such as all the different series on Disney channel, Cartoon Network or any other channels are shaping your child's outlook on life, society and self on a daily basis. Monitoring what their watching and avoiding violent and sexual content is no longer enough. A parent needs to monitor closely the behavior of each one of their favorite characters. Identifying with TV stars and idealizing them has become a convention. Therefore, talking to your children and having an in-depth knowledge of their loved shows will empower you to establish better communication with your kids and influence their choices.

Child’s stars, image and message

Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana): Millions of girls from all over the world were highly influenced by the TV series Hannah Montana. The secret double life of the ordinary Miley is a controversial model of encouraging young girls to hide the truth from others and lie about who they really are. "The Best of Both Worlds” is a seemingly innocent and entertaining concept that will have a great impact on a whole generation of women. Would you like you daughter to deny who she really is in order to get accepted from others? The recent negative behaviour of the actress singer Miley Cyrus disappointed a lot of her young fans. Following the footsteps of Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus will struggle to get back her fans.
The Jonas Brothers: The famous Jonas Brothers serve as an example of merging family values with teen popularity. The three brothers are family-oriented and their belief to abstain from sex, alcohol and drugs will influence your child in a positive way. Peer pressure and celebrities modeling behaviour are often dangers. In the case of the Jonas brothers, the famous trio can be a positive role model to your teen.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are also positive youth role models. Their evident charismatic natures and creative talents in song writing, performing and singing serve as inspiration for teens all over the world.

According to theObserver newspaper and a report from the social media index Klout, Justin Bieber is more popular online than Barack Obama. Such statistics indicate the impact that a child star can have not only on children and teens, but also on the wider online public. Therefore, if value system and positive identity are a priority for you when it comes to raising your children, make sure to research and identify what examples their favourite stars are setting.