Celebrity Stars and Tweens
Is Your Child Obsessed with Someone Famous?
Having role models is a good idea for tweens, but do you know who your child is longing to be like? Find out what you can do when your child is obsessed with a star.
When your tween starts asking for posters of Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron, or Mitchel Musso, you know that she is experiencing her first crush. It is a totally normal and natural phase in a tween's life to long after a far away star that she will probably never see in person, but knows everything about him through magazines and interviews. We've all been there. You turn in Superman and Spiderman for real-life people, but the reality is still out of reach.
A Passing Phase
It can be difficult to constantly hear about who your tween's favorite actor or singer is these days, when she talks about him 24/7. But, you have to look at things from her point of view and take her feelings into consideration. She thinks she has really deep feelings for someone, and has probably convinced herself that if she could just meet him once, he would feel the same about her. You know that is not true, much less ever going to happen, but to tell her that would absolutely crush her or throw her into a total denial. So, while your tween is in this phase of her life, realize that stardom crushes are going to come and go, and just try to be patient and understanding about her feelings.
Be Aware of Celebrity Profiles
While having a crush on a celebrity is usually short-lived, you should know what type of persona your tween's icon has. Is he well-kept and displays good manners? Is his language acceptable to you? Does this person have the characteristics of a good role model for your tween? By asking yourself these questions and doing some research, you will be able to have an open communication with your child about what you like and do not like about the person she has a crush on. Celebrities have an unbelievable power over young kids to dictate what they wear, how they talk, and who they are friends with. Keep in mind that going into a conversation with a criticizing attitude will only make your tween tune you out, so talk with her rationally.
Not Letting it Go to Far
A few posters are harmless. Notebooks and stickers of favorite celebrities are okay. But, watch for signs that your tween is too obsessed with her icon that it is interfering with school work, chores, and other responsibilities that she has. It is at this point that you might want to consider cutting down on computer time and TV time. She should not be ignoring other things that make her happy, just so she can constantly be finding pictures of her infatuation on the Internet, or lock herself in her room to listen to CDs over and over again of the pop star that she likes. Hobbies are a good way to help your tween balance her time between things that are important in her life.
