Jamie Lee Curtis tells moms to "wake up and smell the denial."

by Jennifer Jordan (Subscribe to Jennifer Jordan's posts) Jun 12th 2007 5:45PM

Oh, Jamie Lee. I've always loved you, whether you were being chased by Michael Meyers, writing kids books or offering up you thoughts on motherhood. Now it seems like you've hit the nail on the head with your recent blog on the Huffington Post.

You've brought to light a new perspective on delinquency's Charlie's Angels: Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. You've asked us to consider not just the choices made by this toxic trio, but by their mothers as well. In fact, you point the finger at all mothers, especially those of your generation, acknowledging that when you do so you point three fingers right back at yourself.

Yes, Jamie, you are asking some hard questions, not necessarily expecting easy answers. I'm not sure I agree with you 100% that Paris, Lindsay and Britney's mothers are wholly to blame for their actions, but I'm definitely on the same page with you when you ask why they raised children who think the rules don't apply to them and why those mothers think it's ok to let the world--and now the media--be responsible for their kids.

It's an interesting point of view considering you yourself are a celebrity mom, with celebrity parents of your own. Perhaps you speak from the wisdom of experience?

It makes me think--with a mild shudder--about what will happen with the next generation of kids. Britney already has two, and heaven knows what is in store for them. What about Paris and Lindsay? They'll probably pass on their genes somewhere down the road. If only you were there to personally give them some well-needed advice, and to guide them through this dark part of their lives since apparently their mothers aren't bothering to do it.

Either way, what you say you are saying nicely. And evenly. Your opinion is refreshing and it makes me want you to write more posts on the Huff.

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Comments (8)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

rebecca Biernesser 6-12-2007 @ 10:37PM

I personally think she is right and it goes a lot further than celeb. mom's....

Jane 6-12-2007 @ 10:37PM

Lindsay's mom parties with her, that is not a parent. These parents need to pull their heads out and start acting like parents not buddies.

thisKat 6-13-2007 @ 6:34PM

When her crazy MTV show came out I used to worry about Anna Nicole's son and wondered what would happen to him. Now we know.

SKL 6-13-2007 @ 1:45AM

First of all, a lot of parents think the "rules" don't apply to their children because they also think the rules don't apply to themselves. They are all about rationalizing - "everyone does / did it" even though that isn't true (nor relevant to right & wrong); "maybe it's actually healthy after all" though the wisdom of the ages shouts a resounding NO; "it's no big deal in the scheme of things" (yeah, neither is lung cancer at first).

Aside from that, far too many parents think it's better for them to be afraid of their kids' next move than the kids being afraid that their actions might have consequences. Case in point: today I was in a public place where a child of about three was threatening to throw her mom's cell phone in a garbage can (after battering it around for a while). The mom was literally afraid of what the kid was going to do; she had no control over the situation, and began to beg and plead for the child to bring the phone back. The kid had no fear; she was the one in control. I really think the world was a better place for all, when it was the kid who wouldn't dare threaten to do what her parents forbade. When the parents didn't have to walk on eggshells all day long to avoid a "meltdown." Even the term "meltdown" is a euphemism for tantrum - a neutral, guiltless word that makes it sound like it's a perfectly normal and healthy part of every child's day - even though it isn't.

So yeah, parents, get with the program. You have responsibilities. So what if you shirked them before you were parents; you need to grow up and set the highest standards for yourself so you can model them for your kids.

Amanda 6-13-2007 @ 10:14AM

SKL, you just struck a cord with me. I walk on eggshells around my 2yr old because she is constantly throwing tantrums. I don't want to be constantly spanking or yelling or giving time out. I want to have fun with my kids but I don't want them to walk all over me either! I was raised in a time, like you mention above, where kids wouldn't dare even think about talking back to our parents! I want my children to respect me and my husband like that but I don't want them to be doormats and scared to stand up for themselves like I was! My mother stayed at home until I, the youngest of three, was in elementary school and we NEVER threw tantrums or talked back. Now, I'm thirty and I still respect my parents fiercly!
I know its not too late for me, my oldest is only 28 months old. does anyone have any advice for me? how do I get a hold of this child before she gets out of control!! :(
:(

Jennifer Jordan 6-13-2007 @ 10:17AM

thisKat: Excellent case and point.

Monica 6-13-2007 @ 11:16AM

Amanda you'll get lots of advice but I think that really all of the suggestions boil down to: Say what you mean and follow through on what you say.

As a warning associated with that:
Think through the consequences of what you're thinking BEFORE you say it because often punishments we threaten hurt us more than the child who is being punished. No TV is only a punishment if you don't compensate by sitting down and entertaining her every second of the punishment duration. Use natural consequences whenever possible so that cause and effect become linked in their mind. And be consistent. If not eating dinner means no dessert on Monday, it should mean the same thing on Tuesday.

You've got time, don't worry. The advantage to starting now is a much more pleasant life for you :)

rebecca Biernesser 6-13-2007 @ 8:53PM

Amanda, I agree with Monica and would like to add this....

Stop being afraid of your child and worrying about whether or not she'll be a doomat. If YOU do your job and mean it, then she will not be a doormat, but a great adult.

and while you are cracking down, be prepared for more of the fit throwing...

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