Ok. I admit it, I missed the half time show. I was packing lunches and folding laundry. In hindsight, I realize I missed a show that had people in two camps; it was great and they looked amazing, or it was completely inappropriate and all of the children of the world are scarred for life.
I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty here. Honestly, I don't think the outfits were much different than the outfits or vibe from past half time shows....Janet Jackson anyone? Let's bring this into perspective you guys. If you, as a parent, allowed your children to stay up that late on a school night to watch the Super bowl, you, as a parent, have the right to change the channel, or shut the tv off if you felt the show was inappropriate.
You have the right to stay within your unique parenting identity; to intentionally chose what you allow your child or children to be exposed to with television and social media. No child had to watch JLO and Shakira shaking it on the stage at half time; it's a choice we make as parents. The world is complicated, messy and full of messages we may not want our children to receive; so while we can, while we still have the power to do so, we can choose to not expose our children to situations, videos, or shows that we feel are not right for them.
I genuinely feel that if you allowed your child to watch the half time show, and then voiced your concern that it was inappropriate, it may be helpful to reflect on your own parenting identity and what you can do to take back your power. As parents we get to choose what our children see on tv or social media; we have the power and the right to shut down their wifi, turn off the tv, or make sure they aren't around when we watch the news.
Many people are posting their concerns about their children being negatively influenced by the half time show, or worry their daughters will think they have to be sexy in order to be considered beautiful; the half time show doesn't have the power to do that. You, as the parent, have the power to raise your children to be exposed to the right kind of role models, to make sure you intentionally choose what influences your child, and to deliver the messages you want them to receive each day. I am raising my sons to know that women should be respected, valued and treated equally, while my daughter is being raised to know that you can be smart, hard-working and beautiful. You have the power to influence your children, make sure you are doing it intentionally.