I couldn't find a link for a newssource so I'm posting here. Some parents have gotten together and asked the toy manufacturers to change their marketing practices in these tough times. They have asked them to stop targeting the children and to gear the ads towards the parents. Some of their thinking has to do with guilt and children asking for toys the parents can't afford.


I guess I don't see why toy manufacturers should change their marketing practices. They are in the business to sell toys, and children are the ones who play with them. My feeling is a parent turn off the tv or choose programming that doesn't have commercials like Noggin. Talk to your children and expalin to them you can't buy them everything they want. Isn't this a perfect opportunity to teach our children about wants and needs and how to stick to a budget and buy only what you can afford. Yes I hear my children say after almost every commercial "I want that for Christmas", and you know what.....they know they aren't going to get it all.

I can see where the parents are coming from. Back in the day ad writer's wrote they advertising for the mom's who picked out the toys and then they figured something out -- they made more money when they wrote the ads for children. I doubt they'll stop. It is our job as parents to help our children understand that they don't get everything they want.

I think you're all right. The advertisers know that targeting the kids will get more sells. Yet it's the parent's job to not give in just because their child is wanting a toy. There are ways around the ads and it's our job to do so. But even when they see the toys on t.v. or in the stores, it's up to us if we buy them or not. My kids also see the ads and know that just because it's the "newest, greatest toy ever" they aren't necessarily going to get it. So I don't see the need in asking that the advertising be targeted away from children. Instead, spend your time keeping your kids away from the ads.

gosh, that is stupid. I agree that it is the parents job to, well, be a parent, and set limits, either in the store or on tv or by what jane down the street has

thing is, it would not stop at toys would it? how about Barbie breakfast cereal, I don't eat it, so who is it aimed at? kids.

even things like bed linens are aimed at children with characters on them

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married 9 years to a crazy Brit, mommy to a banana, she is 5 a pineapple who is 2 and a newborn sugarplum, mommy to 4 ~angel~ babies

Seems like some parents want to shift the responsibility of parenting onto others. They can turn off the TV or simply teach their child that "You can't always get what you want" (to quote the Rolling Stones!!!)

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ITA!

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I agree with you. Ds doesn't ask for much but he did ask for some things I know he wouldn't use in the long run and told him that he was not going to get that particular toy, not to get disappointed if Santa didn't bring it for him. Why is it we have to tippy toe around something like this? Some have more than others, that's just the way it is...we have no problem letting ds know this.

I agree also. The toy manufacturers are just doing their job; the parents should do theirs. Yes, it's hard to tell a kid you can't afford to buy something they want, but that's life.

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It's not what you make; it's what you spend.

Here is an article Parents' plea: No more ads for toys - Holiday retail- msnbc.com