Modesty for Girls

Update:  There are over 400 women who have signed Julie's modesty post.  If you haven't already signed up, please head over that way.  I am very anxious to see how retailers are going to respond to this!

I'm a little late for jumping on the modesty bandwagon (since most of the blogosphere has already read/signed this petition)--but I still want to link to my friend Jules and her post/petition on modesty for girls for all of my real-life friends who only read my blog.

Here's her statement:

Moms for Modesty Mission Statement

• As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women. 
• I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women. 
• I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
• I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
• I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.

I agree with everything in her statement and just want to add that when teaching our daughters about modesty that our instruction should deal with more than just the clothing that they wear.  Modesty is really a state of the mind and an attitude of the heart; and we need to teach our daughters that there are certain ways to sit, walk, move and behave.  In fact, the modesty issue is the number one reason that played into our decision to not let our daughters be cheerleaders or flag girls for our community's band.    The truth is,  we always instruct our boys to look away during the halftime shows because of the suggestive ways that the girls move their hips.    We've also shied away from  dancing (jazz, tap, etc...)  because of some of the suggestive moves we've seen being taught to very, very young dancers.  (And don't forget the Jon Benet' showtime make-up!)

The modesty issue also comes up when we start the discussions about boy/girl relations with our kids and our girls know that when the time DOES come for them to be able to date (after highschool) that they will never be the ones calling the boys.  Being overtly flirtacious and forward is not behaving in a modest way and is not becoming for Christian girls/women.   (Oh--and if any girl come a callin' for one of my boys, she is immediately red-flagged as "not-our-type" if you know what I mean.)

Lastly, don't forget how to teach your girls some simple, yet important things like how to walk and how to sit.  This starts early and I always remind my little Sunday School preschoolers to keep their shirts down and their legs together.   Modesty is a mindset that will become a way of life if talked about consistently from an early age.

So enough from me!  Go sign Jules' petition!  If enough moms speak loud enough, maybe the fashion industry will wake-up and pay attention.  Thanks Jules!

Comments

[Jennifer, Snapshot]

I'm glad to read your thoughts on the overall issue.

I'd really like to hear more about your dating philosophy, too, or maybe you have already addressed it. Does that include school dances etc etc, phoning etc?

[Kilikina]

I have already signed but thanks for spreading the word more.

[nan]

Hi! I followed a link from another pw's blog and I wanted to let you know that I have created a new pw blogroll. I am just trying to get out the word a bit. If you are even remotely interested, stop by www.leagueofpastorswives.blogspot.com and check it out. I will be happy to send you the code if you leave the pertinant info. You can of course check out my blog if you want to know who I am too.
:^)
God bless!
Nan

[Lawanda]

While I agree with you (I would never let any of my daughters be cheerleaders or do ANY type of dancing, and they aren't allowed to call boys even now at young ages) I want to ask you not to prejudge your future sons' girl friends if they call your boys. Just because they havent been taught doesnt mean they can't be.

Just wanted to say give them a chance ;)

[Karla]

Michelle- I enjoyed reading your post on modesty. I loved what you said: "Modesty is really a state of the mind and an attitude of the heart; and we need to teach our daughters that there are certain ways to sit, walk, move and behave." So true! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Karla

[Islandmumma2Seven]

I found your site thru a few others(following links) I wanted to say I agree on our girls being modest ,But i wanted to say,I always read about teaching girls modesty but not our sons. I think if our daughters cannot be cheerleaders or flag girls for a sports event or a band then neither should our sons be in the sport itsself or in the band..it sets a double standard kwim?
Blessings
Sonia