The American Psychological Association study addressing “Sexualization of Girls” includes a guide for parents who want to protect their children from a sexualizing culture. The suggestions include:

• Watch television and movies with your children. Read their magazines and visit the same Web sites that they do. If you don't like something you see, explain why.
• If your daughter wants to buy an outfit you consider too sexy, ask her what she likes about it and what she might not like. Explain that some clothes require a lot of checking and adjusting and can be a distraction from school and other activities.
• Understand that your children are under pressure to conform to clothing styles. Remind your daughter often that who she is and what she accomplishes are more important than how she looks.
• Encourage athletics and other activities that emphasize talents and skills over physical appearance.
• Talk about sex with your children. Explain why and when sex is healthy. Find out what your local schools are teaching about sex.
• Be a good role model in what you buy and what media you absorb.

—M.E.