Lydia and I are currently engaged in a strenuous battle of wills over her clothing. At the center of this dispute is one Miss Kim Possible.
Yes, that’s right, Disney strikes again, bringing havoc to our once-tranquil home. Lydia is so enamoured of this cartoon character that she wants to emulate her down to the smallest detail, and apparently the most important detail is a bared midriff. Lydia’s and my differing opinions about whether the types of clothes Kim wears are appropriate for a seven-year-old have been the cause of much wailing and gnashing of the teeth on Lydia’s part and colorful swearing on my part. I’m holding firm, though. As long as she’s living under my roof, and all that.
Kim’s influence can be felt in other areas of our lives as well. In the past week, Lydia has begged us to search out and sign her up for, in no particular order, a karate class, a new dance class, and a cheerleading class. She wishes the world were in danger from mad scientists and evil robots so that she could save it. She also wants a snowboard. And pom-poms. And a naked mole rat (what the hell?!).
She has the theme song recorded in both Swedish and English and sings both versions so often that they’re a constant refrain in my head. Even her not-quite-two-year-old brother recognizes the opening strains and can sing along admirably. It goes on and on and on.
To think I imagined she might be a positive role model when I first saw the show.
I’ve never heard of this character, is she on tv here in Sweden?
Yeah, she’s on the Disney Channel. Apparently she’s been pretty big in the States for a couple of years but only recently made her way over here.
Yep, Kim has hit big time in our house. My daughter is constantly saying she wants to be like Kim. Yep, she’s begging for Tae Kwan Do lessons and wants to start gymnastics again.
As for the bare midriff, she doesn’t stand a chance around here. Hubby and I tease her mercilessly and she can’t wear anything like that to her catholic school.
I am thinking of entering her in some solo dance competitions this year. We’ll use the Kim Possible theme song and pay a local girl to choreograph some hip-hop moves for her. And yes, she’ll get to dress like Kim, complete with bare belly (but ONLY for the comp.)
BTW, point out to Lydia that Ron has the naked mole rat, not Kim!
where do u get the KP theme song in sweedish? and u suck cuz kim dresses like a nomal 15 year old u just dress like a slob
Nice, ask for a favor and then insult the person you’re asking… BTW, as someone who sees and interacts with hundreds of 15 year olds, they don’t all dress like Kim Possible (few do) – especially since the look is banned by numerous parents and schools.
Sign your daughter up for karate classes – they’re really big on respecting others and you may see a positive change in attitude. Or you may be see Kim falling out of favor because it’s too hard… either way she’ll be able to kick butt!
Oh, Mo, I think I daughters would totally hit it off!
Lydia’s already planning her act for the school’s lip-synching contest next spring, and it’s all about Kim! What she’s got in mind sounds very similar to your daughter’s dance routine plans. 🙂
Jenna, thanks for the reassurance that all 15-year-olds don’t dress like Kim (although I really didn’t think they did!). Lydia’s having a very hard time separating fact from fiction when it comes to this show, I’m afraid. I think we will have her start taking karate (or some martial art, at anyway) this fall when all that stuff starts up again. I took karate for several years when I was a kid and I loved it! As you say, there are several positive possible outcomes of signing her up!
I am familiar with the show and, while I can see how the bare midriff thing can be a problem, I think that Kim Possible is still a very positive role model insofar as it’s primary theme is helping those in need. With so many selfish influences on children, primarily among popular music performers, Kim Possible is a refreshing change.
…Bare midrifts are out this season :/
now, it’s better to wear your shirt short enough to see SOME skin (but not enough to see the belly button), and leave a lot of skin bare between the neck and upper chest.
So tell your daughter that Kim’s “standard” outfit is a bit inaccurate… some of the other clothes she wears are a bit more up-to-date.
Actually, I don’t have a problem with Kim herself, and I do think the character has a lot of positive qualities, but my daughter’s obsession with her is driving me up a wall! She’s only seven and I really don’t like seeing her spend so much time thinking about clothes and accessories and cheerleading and all that. Lately I’ve had to limit her “Kim time” just to try to bring about a bit of a balance.
Funny about the bare midriffs being “out” — just last week Lydia and I were looking through the current H&M catalog and she was dismayed that not one single outfit in it showed a bare belly. Of course, she wasn’t much swayed by it, but I still got a little chuckle!
I agree, Lydia shouldn’t wear some of the clothes that Kim wears. She’s too young. Your daughter will just have to accept that Kim is 16 and older girls wear different clothes. And of course, Kim’s bare navel doesn’t reflect her personality. She’s wearing what is trendy for girls her age.
I believe that Kim Possible is a positive role model. She can have the effect of teaching children to be caring, brave and moral. I think that Kim can teach Lydia to be a strong, confident woman some day. Someone who will stand up for what she believes in. It’s my humble opinion that Lydia’s desire to save the world and be a cheerleader are an imitation of someone she admires. I think that having her admire Kim is quite positive. Within reason, Lydia could do some of the activities Kim likes to do.
But I agree, it’s not good to be obsessed with one cartoon character, or anything else. Lydia should find of course limit her time with Kim and discover other activities too. Believe me I understand, since I’m quite obsessed with watching Kim Possible myself! She is such a sweet girl, how can anyone resist her!
this show really isn’t for 7 year olds i mean really though alot of people I no watch it but not THAT young
I’m sorry but Lydia looks like she needs a good whap in the head. Sorry, not trying to be mean. It’s good that she wants to take karate and all (taking karate at 7 is cool), but the bare midriff thing? You should knock some sense into her. Tell her only 16 year olds dress like that and stuff. Just remember, if you give your daughter everything she wants, she’ll end up like a spoiled brat. And we have too many of those around already. 😉 Good luck in disciplining your daughter.