I've been watching American Idol off and on because of the Arizona contestants. Just Brooke White remains. And she seems like such a sweetie, that I'm OK letting my daughter watch her perform. I love her attitude - no talking back or rude comments like some of the other wannabe stars.
That's actually the thing that irritates me most. How did our kids come to think they are entitled to success because they sing well, or think they do.
Well, I digress. With American Idol's popularity, as well as Hannah Montana's command of the air waves, it seems every little girl I know wants to be a pop/rock star. So do you encourage her? How do you support a dream when the reality is very few live the rock star dream? Do you have suggestions for how to encourage them and keep them grounded in reality?
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I'd encourage her to read
I'd encourage her to read biographies of real-life rock stars, so she gets an idea of what it's really like. Then, absolutely support her. Even if she ends up having to get a day job and only singing in the choir on Sunday, a good set of pipes deserves to be heard.
I'd also put her in some
I'd also put her in some voice/drama lessons. It's funny how many kids stop thinking it's so much fun when there's real work involved. Also, you'll see how dedicated she truly is.
Just FYI, I can't watch American Idol, especially in the beginning when everyone else seems to enjoy it so much. It kills me to hear the judges' mean comments!
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
My daughter is among the
My daughter is among the girls I speak of. And so far, I'm letting her try a variety of activities - tennis, theatre camp, baseball, etc.
I want her to do what she wants and I'll support her as I can. Luckily rock star is just one of her many career dreams. Tennis star, president, teacher, super model, vet, etc. She has a healthy imagination and lots of ambition.
But I've seen moms that push them into drama classes, singing lessons, etc., and trying to get an agent. That seems crazy right now. But that's just my opinion.
I want to raise a girl who is grounded, but still isn't afraid to dream. Others like me?
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
I think it's important to
I think it's important to find out if she really loves to sing and perform or if she just wants to be famous. If she's actually passionate about an activity, give it your all; I'm glad my parents did, eventhough I'm not a professional dancer--if not, and fame is what sh'e after keep her going in lots of stuff, let her pretend she's fabulous and reality will catch up; it always does.
Brooke Romney is an unbalanced mom of three young boys who constantly has too much to do, and too little time. She writes the Mom Beat column for The Gilbert Republic.