Tweens and Dolls (Again...)

I'm so fascinated by the phenomenon of Tween girls (ages 8-11) growing out of toys and dolls at such an early age that I can't help but pass on articles about this when I find them.

Today's article in The Commercial Appeal, "Tween Appeal: Toy Industry Tries to Cater to Changing Tastes of girls 8-12" is a perfect example. The article treads familiar ground (Bratz and My Scene Barbie and Flavas try to recapture this age group for dolls...) but also adds some new information. For instance, did you know that some 8-year old girls prefer shopping at Claire's and Limited, Too, than at toy shops? Personally, my nearly 9-year-old has never stepped inside a Claire or a Limited, Too. So, I wonder who is driving this 'Tween growing-up-early" phenomenon--kids OR their parents? Of course, the media is partially to blame.