Well, I couldn’t!

I was trying to find some inspiration for my post this week. I had in my mind what I wanted to write about, but then I read Laurel’s post and I needed to chime in. How can discussing the lack of effort in improving grades even be interesting? How do I discuss my son lying to me about why he had to write down a list of 10 alternative curse words be a topic of discussion? As a parent, yes, it is a topic - one I will discuss next week. If you will allow me the opening of Laurel’s post, I need to discuss the virginity “thing” for a minute.

As a mom of two children; one of each gender, I find myself with many situations where I need to honestly pay attention with how I proceed. I am not a “you’re a boy” or “you’re a girl” type mom. I have never been and never will be a mom that let’s her son run wild and I will never keep my daughter locked up. Yes, there are things each will get to do the other may never get the opportunity to do. This will be due to limitations within themselves, never because of me.

Would I allow either one of my children to place their virginity up for bid to the highest bidder? Yes, I agree 100% with Laurel about free-thinkers. I want my children to be creative, adventurous, and think outside the box, but could I knowingly allow my children just to give it up to the first person that bid the most money? Honestly, no. Regardless of the reason.

I can understand wanting to pay for your studies. I am a mom of two, working full-time, and married. What does this spell? No money! There aren’t many scholarships and grants out there for married, working moms. Would I sell one of my kids to pay off school or my debt? No. In an age where many teens are promoting saving themselves for marriage - The Jonas Brothers - I guess I find it difficult the varying value that some teens and young adults hold on virginity.

It is difficult for me to swallow the fact that this was the only creative thing the girl could come up with. Why give your virginity away to pay for college or debt? Creative? Yes. But, I am also a person that would think long term about the side effects of what the virgin auction could bring. Negative or positive?

She could be harassed and ridiculed. The same for her family. This could be long-term devastation that offer nothing but negative outcomes in life. Now, stand back and look at what she could gain. Money, fame. She certainly has her 15 minutes now. Was that her whole intent? Use this as the first step in a long ladder that is still somewhat in existence for women?

For me, I am still wavering on the wall. Do I applaud her as a woman for using her brain and creating a great marketing strategy for long-term financial gain? Or, do I scold her as a parent for the effects of what could happen emotionally now and long-term? Well, I guess we will all see the outcome together.