Bindi's childhood isn't normal
WHEN I was nine-years-old my mum plaited my hair, I danced along with Barbie and the Rockers and was told I had to wait at least two years before I was allowed to wear denim jeans.
Now I'm grown up I can happily reflect on my childhood and report that it was fabulous - and normal.
And while different isn't necessarily a bad thing, there's no way anyone can tell me - no matter how much red cordial they've had - that Bindi Irwin's childhood is normal.
The internet is filled with dozens of comments from people who simply don't believe the nine-year-old pint-sized, crimped-haired little girl is being given the chance to live a normal life.
Blogs are dedicated to the question - is Bindi missing out?
Some would argue that she's not. Bindi Irwin is a global juggernaut, a household name not only Australia but also in the United States.
Like her late father, she has an enormous passion for animals and a gifted ability to generate positive publicity for the conservation and wildlife work done by Australia Zoo.
(Of all the child stars, Bindi's crusade sure beats the inglorious fame of Paris Hilton and the Olsen twins.)
Yet there's still something not quite right about a little girl holding court in front of the world's media.
Less than two months after her dad and Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin died after a stingray attacked him, Bindi was on the red carpet in Sydney, surrounded by adoring, screaming fans, ready to present an award at the Nickolodeon Kids Choice Awards.
Yesterday in New York, Bindi's mum Terry was launching the Bindi doll, a cute toy which repeats Bindi's favourite sayings including, "Love it, dont hurt it".
Terri believes her daughter is simply following a childhood dream to have her own doll.
That is itself is an admission of an abnormal childhood. Most kids go to bed dreaming of owning a toy - but not one that is named after them.
"She is still a nine-year-old human being," Terri protested.
"She is a real girl, she is not nine going on 35, she is intellectually very developed but she is still a kid who loves to play with dolls."
If only she could be allowed to do more of it.
For chief executive of Relationships Australia Anne Hollonds, the jury is out when it comes to child stars.
"It very much depends on how well adjusted the child is, and how good the parenting is," she told The Daily Telegraph.
"Every kid will react differently, depending on their personality and their circumstances."
Ms Hollonds said wise parents of children in the public spotlight would take steps to protect their children.
"Obviously parenting a child who's a celebrity has particular challenges," she said.
Ms Hollonds said it could not yet be known how well Bindi had adjusted to her fame.
'The proof will be in the pudding," she said.
Analyst and psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg is of the view that Bindi is simply doing exactly what she did when her dad was alive - singing and dancing in front of a camera.
"When her father died all Mrs Irwin did was try and keep things normal," Dr Michael-Carr Gregg said.
He said it was vital Bindi, like other children, was made to feel safe, valued and listened to, and it was vital there existed clear boundaries.
"I think it's very important not to be fast-tracked into adolescence, but you're allowed to have a bit of a childhood."
When Bindi reaches adolescence we will quickly find out exactly how socially adjusted she is, and just how her childhood has prepared her for adult life.
Hopefully the glitz and glamour, the fan clubs and the adoration don't damage her - we only need look to Hollywood to see what celebrity and notoriety have brought other child stars.
Meanwhile Bindi's younger brother Bob is the only member of the Irwin clan not yet to have a doll cast. Poor little thing. Until that happens he may just believe he is the abnormal Irwin family member.
