One for the girls: Don’t pattern your futures after Spears daughters or other starlets

This is a message for all you young women out there wondering what to think about all the scandal surrounding some of Hollywood and the music industry’s “stars.”

You might be wondering if they know something you don’t — if their actions prove they are grownups and ready for the real world.

The answer is no.

Drinking yourself sick, posing for the cameras or partying when you should be home taking care of your children is not being a modern woman.

It is being an irresponsible twit.

It is also not cool, trendy or anything remotely close to behavior you should emulate.

And just in case you were wondering, simply having a baby does not make you a real woman either. Bringing a child into the world is a sacred responsibility, not a rite of passage. Have a child when you can plan for one, support one and otherwise devote time and energy to being a good mother. That is what makes a woman to be admired.

And don’t think there are no women out there to model yourself after. There are women in politics, business and entertainment who have lived lives that are noteworthy. Check out your history books, too.

And as you grow up, remember, you can become someone to admire and respect, too. The decision on how you will live your life will ultimately be up to you.

Decide right now to be a young woman of substance.

Then, you can always hold your head high.

Published in Editorials on January 7, 2008 11:02 AM