myHK: Boobs on a Bus
As many of my loyal readers know, I am a proud father of a beautiful 3 year old daughter. She is growing up very quickly and is now outsmarting me more and more each day.
And with her new found wisdom comes new found danger. Specifically, boobs on a bus.
While out the other day walking with my daughter E, a bus went by and my jaw dropped. You see, buses in Hong Kong are major advertising tools. Pictures are plastered all over them and this particular bus was advertising breasts… I mean a movie about breasts.
Surprised, I sneakily turned E the other way, hurting my neck in the process.
In the past, when I commuted to work by MTR, our transport railway here in HK, I would always notice pictures of half naked girls on the subway walls. Usually promoting diet clinics and such to make ladies skinnier and more ‘acceptable’. I always found it odd watching younger ones walk by these adverts, for obvious reasons, but now that I have a daughter it has made me question it even more.
However, for me this is just another example of how hiding the truth from my daughter is not the best way to protect her.
Reality will hit and my daughter will see these pictures and see how society paints an image of what is ‘hot’ and what is ‘healthy’.
The key is to arm her with the tools to think for herself and react with intelligence. Teach her that the way to good health is not through a pill or an electric machine that gyrates your body back and forth. Teach her that there is more worth to a female than her appearance.
Parenting is a scary biz, but for me I’m going to use this same theory when it comes to dating and drug use chats with E. And that time will come. But, for now, my daughter is 3 and I’m going to enjoy the swings and piggy back rides.
Do you have similar concerns as a parent? I’d love to know your thoughts on this in the comments below! And of course sharing this would be greatly GREATLY appreciated!
Have a wonderful week!
Mr.J
The Guest Room 
So many joys as a parent but so many things to worry about as well!
So true!! I guess we just have to have faith that when the time comes, our children will make the wise decision.
Parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done! Yet the funnest! Wait until she asks you how your gay friend has a daughter and you didn’t even know she knew what gay was. Lol
Hey Camille
Thanks for reading!;)
I really have no fears about these questions because I have faith that telling my daughter the truth is the way to go. Not trying to protect her from reality.
Sexuality is obviously not a black and white issue. It’s a fact that some people are born with more masculine or feminine genes. Adoption is also an easy concept to teach.
Breathe easy. The truth shall set you free!
Mr.J
Oh I obviously have no problem telling them the truth. 🙂 I feel I handled it well in explaining what gay was, even though she kind of knew, and they are no different than we are. Like I said, he is a friend of mine. My issue with the conversation was trying to figure out how to tell her how he has a daughter if he doesn’t have a wife. Lol we haven’t covered birds and bees yet! I was sweating a little. Sometimes its hard being honest when you have to withhold details.
I see! Yes I’m not too excited about the birds and bees talk… It seems like my daughter is growing up way too fast. Where’s the slow-mo button??!
You’re right that you definitely need to keep kids on a need to know basis. Just cause they ask why, doesn’t mean that they should get the Websters dictionary answer!;)
Cheers
MrJ