The Busy Life of a Single Mom

By now anyone that watches the enws has heard about the Miley Cyrus and Vanity Fair fiasco.  Everyone has an opinion - a strong opinion. No one that I’ve talked to has a neutral standpoint on these photographs. So how do I feel?

This is an issue where the “Mommy” in me comes to the front. As Cameron’s mom I can assure you that she will not be seeing these photos. I find them totally inappropriate for the children and tweens that make up the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus fans.  But also as a mom, I can’t imagine letting my 15 year old take these pictures.  Vanity Fair says that her parents were both there for the shoot (except maybe for the last few minutes), and I’ve not heard anything from the Cyrus clan that this isn’t so. I did hear that maybe the most popular photo was taken in those few minutes when they were not there, but personally I find the photo with Miley and Billy Ray inappropriate also (and since he’s in it, they can not claim to have not been there for that one).

I am glad to see that Miley and family now do not approve of the photos. I question whether or not these are valid and truthful statements or what they think parents of her fans need/want to hear (or a reaction to Disney freaking out), but I’m trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. They made a mistake - a big mistake, but we all make mistakes - even as parents.

My question though is what impact will these photos have on the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus following? She’s one of the biggest stars to hit the scene in a long time. Her concerts sold out in just a matter of moments, you can buy almost anything with her name/image on, and there aren’t many little girls out there who don’t think she hung the moon. One thing that I think has helped lead to her popularity though is the “good/clean” girl image we (as adults/parents) have had of her - the level head on her (and her parents’) shoulders.  How much does this change it? Will any of us not buy the next piece of Hannah Montana merchandise our children ask for? Or will we ignore it and continue our love of this young pop star?

Personally, I do not think this will change our lives much. I do not think that I’ll tell Cameron “No” when she asks for a Hannah Montana shirt, CD, or movie just because of these photos.  I do think I’ll be watching more closely though for future signs of this young girl heading down the wrong path. I have to admit that I hope that I don’t see them.

 Here’s the pic of Miley and her dad: