Many people in Ohio may have strong
opinions about child beauty pageants. The activity has recently been
prominently featured in two shows including “Toddlers and Tiaras” and “Here
Comes Honey Boo Boo.” The shows often depict girls dressed up to appear more
mature, singing and dancing in the hopes of nabbing a crown. The pageant world
has seen a lot of bad publicity related to such shows and appears set for even more
as the parents of one of the children featured on the show “Toddlers and
Tiaras” are divorcing and using the pageants as part of their custody dispute.
The father of the pageant girl is basing
his child custody case on his claim that the mother is harming the child by
allowing her to participate in the pageant circuit. His argument has received
support from a report issued by the court-ordered child psychologist in the
case. The report cites findings from the American Psychological Association’s Task
Force on the Sexualization of Girls,
which states that the sexualization of young girls has multiple negative impacts
on the kids including mental health and cognitive development.
The suit goes on to say that several of
the costumes worn by the little girl have the effect of sexualizing her. One
costume in particular, that of a ‘sexy police officer’ featured the six-year-old
flaunting a fake tan, an exposed midriff, dark eye makeup and lip gloss. The
husband’s court filings say that the costume is meant to reflect adult
sexuality and is not appropriate for a girl so young.
This case has gotten the attention of many
other parents on the pageant circuit. The parents are worried that if the
mother loses solely based on pageant participation that similar suits are bound
to follow. The suit and the ultimate resolution could be important in raising
questions about the right of parents to choose activities for their children.
If you find yourself facing the prospect
of divorce, contact an experienced Ohio family law attorney who can help guide you through the
difficult process. Count on the expertise of Twinsburg family law attorney Carol
L. Gasper.
Source:
“'Toddlers
& Tiaras' moms worried child beauty pageants can be used against them in
custody cases,” by Meaghan Murphy, published at FoxNews.com.
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