I think what Bindi is doing is much different than what typical childhood stars do - she is making a difference in the world around her - the animal world, no less. My children would be thrilled at an opportunity like that. My daughter is 7 and has said for the last couple of years solid that she wants to work in a zoo or do something to help animals. She loves playing with her siblings and her friends, but to see her with animals, I can't explain it - she's completely in her element at that point. She'll watch Animal Planet anyday over cartoons. She would much rather play with her stuffed animals, than her Barbies or baby dolls. Her brother and sister are a lot like her, but not quite to the same extent.
I bet Bindi is a lot happier than a lot of other children because she is contributing to our world and not trying to fulfill her happiness with just her own wants and needs. I think we are all born with an instinct to help others - whether that be people, animals, our environment, etc. - we just get so busy trying to work to survive that it gets pushed aside. That's why we come here to read stories to see how we might be able to help, even if all we can do is hope and pray. That's why we praise those who help others and are outraged at those who don't.
As for the clothes, it's not like she's designing them and making them herself! She's probably just telling them what she likes and doesn't like - how long does that take? I'd much rather buy a Bindi brand line of clothes for my daughters, than a Mary-Kate and Ashley brand. I think it will be refreshing to dress our daughters like little girls rather than little women! I'm excited because one of my daughters likes all the pinks, bows and ruffles and the other, the animal lover, likes practical - yet she's not all out tomboy.
One last point, with all the money Bindi has made or will make, I just don't see her wasting it on glitz and glamour or drugs and alcohol. Instead, I think she will use it to better her, her future family, and of course, the animal world around her! I could be wrong, but I don't think she's going to be filling that void in her life with worthless or damaging things because she has the love of her mother, brother and father from above, and the joy of making a difference in life!
So go easy on Bindi, I think the hardest thing in her life right now would be hearing all the critics of her and her mom!