Btw, this is a great movie!
From time to time I write non-humorous material but hesitate to post it here because I don’t want to disappoint readers who are expecting chuckles. But if you’re a parent or a teenager (or just vividly remember being a teenager!) you might like to visit these two online magazines that are both featuring my work today.
I’m against labeling (“A label is just a fable!” will be my new bumper-sticker and coffee mug idea!) so if you’re curious why I actually turned to labels to help my teenage daughter, just read my latest piece RIGHT HERE. Please leave me a comment there if you support this concept.
And you wouldn’t believe the secret life I just found on my Tween daughter’s cellphone (well, maybe YOU would, but I was shocked!) and she’s not alone attending middle school and having this kind of content! Check out my article RIGHT HERE if you’re wondering why I think we should call them “Smutphones” instead of “Smartphones!” Please tweet this article out if you wanna help me share awareness.
Happy 4th of July to all you wonderful readers and bloggers!
Stephanie
Once Upon Your Prime 
The labels are a fantastic idea, and it’s wonderful that your daughter could share her find with her friends. The phone thing, it’s a worry. Kids are not kids for long these days. They think all that stuff is harmless fun unless they are on the receiving end. Participation is probable a peer pressure thing, too. I like your serious stuff, Stephanie, so glad you posted the links.
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I cannot tell you how much i appreciate it, Christine. Have missed you!
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Kind of you to say so. I keep meaning to call in …
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so much about your second article makes me sad and scared and worried, but what makes me angry are the parents in denial.
How are you doing? Parental innocence lost!
Thank you for putting this story out there … and now I will do the same.
Sharing …
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Custom labels are a brilliant idea. And why not post your whole range of writing on your blog? It’s YOUR blog. It’s phrasing like: “It looks like someone beat up a rainbow in here” that makes me enjoy reading your work, not the number of laughs per essay.
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You are always so kind. And we always sync up–rainbow phrase was also my favorite from the beginning piece. I guess I pigeon hole myself too much even when others don’t. I also send clients who hire me to write humor to my blog as my portfolio so I try not to have them reading a serious piece uttering, “wow, she’s REALLY unfunny!” Thank you for this comment– it’s always an honor when you pop in!
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Thanks for sharing both of these. I really enjoyed the label one–what a wonderful surprise for your daughter. The cellphone one made me want to close my eyes against the harshness of so much teen activity. I can’t imagine how deeply it sets a certain world-view and how long it will take to grow out of it. The other parents should be most grateful to you for caring, and acting.
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Hi Ellen! Well the update is that some of the parents are appreciative and some are out and out in denial and accusing me of making stuff up, even when confronted with photos. Oh well. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave WordPress and read these!!
Stephanie
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Your words were well worth the cyber trip. 🙂
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Wow that is disturbing that kids that age are already doing that stuff. My girl is almost 11 and I guess I better start talking with her. Uggghhh.
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yeah – – and unfortunately the bitter truth is that my daughter has admitted that lots of this started at 11.5 years old. It’s SUPER appalling. And really seeing it in black and white (or color!) on your kid’s cellphone makes the reality VERY clear. Thanks for reading/commenting.
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Very good articles Steph and so timely. I loved this bit on the labels “Delicate care required. Do not turn inside-out. Don’t wring hands with worry, problems will iron out. No stain is permanent.” and your idea of making homemade labels is a great idea. Who would have thought that the self-esteem issues from back in the day could get any worse? It’s a frigntening world for kids these days and I feel for parents and grandparents of young ones.
I remember about 15 years ago being shocked at 10, 11, 12 year olds performing acts of a sexual nature but the stuff you talk about in the post just renders me speechless. Good for you for finding a way to send a message out to the parents without bringing attention to your daughter.
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Hi Steph! I wondered how my fashionista friend might like clothing labels like this! I have had several people writing me wanting to order them.
And yes, the times they are a’changing and I for one, have been appalled. Remember that movie from the 70’s called, “Future Shock?” Well, I think sadly….we are there.
Thank you so much for all the support! Visiting you soon on your terrific blog!!
Stephanie
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Thank you Steph!!! You always are putting forth some pretty innovative ideas and I think you’ve struck gold on the labels. I would like to order them. Are you planning on mass production? If not I think you really need to give it serious consideration. I noticed that one of your other readers said that she’d like them for herself and she’s in her 40s and I echo her sentiment. Please let me know.
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Both articles are great! Having survived the teenage daughter stage and only having sons now, I am soooo glad I don’t have a teenage or preteen daughter now. I’m appalled at the things I’m hearing all over- all similar to your experience with your daughter’s cell phone. I admire your vigilance. So many parents would look the other way or throw their hands up in the air and say they couldn’t do anything about it.
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Hey Kat – – thanks for the thoughtful comment. I was HORRIFIED to find what I did. But quite honestly, the boys’ posts and texts that i came across were just as revolting. It almost seemed like gender made no difference with involvement and language being used. I think it’s really a result of being exposed to far too much at too young of an age. I know that little kids get exposed to porn while playing games on their computer and a stupid window will pop up and they’ll click on it. It’s such a complex issue. Our society needs to find ways to cope and deal because I guarantee we will be seeing the effect and impact on all of us! Thanks for commenting, kat!
Stephanie
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I think you did what parents are going to have to do more often as kids are exposed to more and more. And if it’s not on their phone, it’s on their computer or iPad or whatever. I think parents are going to have be more and more diligent as time passes.
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No question this is in high contrast to your usual humor threads. However, I find the message timely and necessary. You are such a wonderful writer with such great ability to move from different formats. I see you helping many people with these articles. Quite possibly salvage a some lives as well.
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I love your label idea! Want to post on Facebook to spread the idea. Now all we need to do is get manufacturers to adopt realistic sizing and drop the tiny sizes.
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Hey Margie – – thanks so much for the support. I may actually start making these labels and distributing them as a way for all of us to “petition” the manufacturers to get more realistic, as you’ve just pointed out they should!
Take care,
Stephanie
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Good article. Sorry but Homey don’t tweet.
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Homemade * labels
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I love your serious side. The homage labels are absolutely perfect. She will remember those messages forever. Good job, mama.
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Your comments always mean a great deal to me. Thanks so much!’
Stephanie
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Both very insightful articles! Parenting and growing up in the 21st century is proving to be quite the challenge…and you, dear Stephanie, have risen to the occasion. Gold stars for the way you’ve handled things on both counts.
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Thanks DGLW! You are such a supportive person, a terrific writer and an excellent blogmate!
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Likewise! 🙂
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