TARTED-UP TYKES on TV in shows like Toddlers & Tiaras turn our tummy. Dressing up little girls and training them to wiggle, strut and make sexually suggestive moves as they sing and dance to win trophies is sick, sick, sick. Who can forget the ill-fated beauty pageant princess JonBenet Ramsey, killed in her home? Her murderer has never been caught and early rumors that her parents were in some way guilty have been discarded. JonBenet’s prancing and gyrating on stage, dressed as a sexy cowgirl, attracted a killer. Can sick, sexy kiddie pageants cause more deaths?

WHAT IS NOT DISPUTED is that shows like this can ruin childhoods for the competing mini-divas. They become contestants, fighting to best other little girls, and learn early on that they are not going to get applause and prizes and mommy’s love unless they wear wild costumes, get hair extensions, rehearse, stand still for makeup/spray tans/photo sessions, don’t eat too much, learn to belt out a song and become “a winner.”

FACING HARSH JUDGEMENT at such a young age makes a child realize she is not perfect, not pretty enough unless she follows all mommy’s rules and does this, wears that, smiles like this, dances like that, etc., etc. At this vulnerable young age, 4 to 7 typically, a child should be building up self esteem, basking in the unconditional love of her parents and making friends with other kids regardless of their looks. They shouldn’t be facing jealousy from other youngsters or feeling it themselves because someone else has longer hair, cuter outfits, sexier dance moves, says psychologist Fran Johnson.

“DRESSING UP IS FINE,” JOHNSON ADDS, “and so is playing with makeup, but not on a pageant stage. Facing approval or judgment in a fiercely competitive environment is difficult for adults, and is traumatic for children,” Johnson insists. “We should be inspiring youngsters so they get interested in careers in science, math, teaching, research,” stresses Johnson. “We don’t need any more Kardashians.”

KNOWN FOR HER TANTRUMS on TLC’s Toddlers & Tiaras is veteran Eden Wood, 6, who routinely wriggles suggestively.

However, she was forgotten when Maddy Jackson, 4, appeared on T&T dressed as Dolly Parton with fake boobs and an enhanced butt, plus an impressive blond wig. The little contestant shook her hips and wiggled her behind and some viewers hailed her act as the “ultimate in bad taste.”

WE HAVE SEEN ON TV upsetting backstage scenes from kiddie beauty pageants with the little terror hopefuls crying, screaming, hitting each other, reacting to the stress and uncertainty of their experiences. And their Show Biz Mommies seem so cold, so unconcerned, so sure they are doing the right thing, sending their adorable darlings out to face fame and fortune. Frightening, and we are just onlookers. For innocent little girls it must be pain and suffering, with perks and kisses, in toddler hell.

BIG BAD BOOZE is ruining the life of a well-known educator. His friends have staged interventions but they haven’t worked.

WHO ARE THE WEALTHY TWIN BROTHERS romancing the same shapely personal trainer? We bet she picks Jonathan.

AFTER 21 YEARS it is shocking to learn that the robber/killer of jeweler Harry Levinson was finally sentenced to 54 years. It was in 1991 that Michael Gonzalez, 41, entered through a window at the Marine Drive home of wealthy Levinson, 94, who was in bed with his wife Marilyn, 84. He demanded money and Harry, partially deaf and slow to awaken, didn’t react fast enough so Gonzalez stabbed him. He forced Marilyn to drive him away from the house and he eluded capture until DNA evidence linked him to the murder in 2008. This career criminal pleaded guilty Jan. 6. Donald Levinson, son of Harry, operates the Trabert & Hoeffer Jewelry firm on Oak Street.

WISH OPRAH WINFREY HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Jan. 29. She will be 58.

CHICAGO LITERARY HALL OF FAME will honor writer Gene Wolfe March 17 at the lavish Sanfilippo estate in Barrington Hills for his lifetime contribution. Literary stars like Neil Gaiman, Audrey Niffenegger, Luis Urrea, Michael Swanwick, Jody Lynn Nye and Patrick O’Leary are among those who will pay tribute to Wolfe, best known for his Chicago-set Free Live Free. Writer Valya Dudycz Lupescu calls him “One of the premiere writers of science fiction and fantasy in the past 50 years.” The Hall of Fame, which had been housed with the Cliff Dwellers Club, has as executive director Donald Evans who stressed the need for a permanent space (Cliff Dwellers is moving to a new location soon). The dinner tickets are $150. The group has 300 members ranging from aspiring novelists to published authors, journalists and poets. Call 773-403-1144 for more information.

HYPOCRITE NEWT GINGRICH gets our vote as the sleaziest candidate. He damned Bill Clinton while enjoying his own mistress, whom he later married, leaving a job opening. Newt’s awed supporters deserve what they get — a pompous, unrepentent pig.

WHAT IF PRINCESS DIANA AND PRINCE CHARLES had a secret daughter, born before Prince William? A new mystery novel by Nancy E. Ryan ponders a scenario that would forever alter the British monarchy. The compelling story line follows Diana, on Christmas Eve 1980, forced to have her eggs harvested and fertilized with Prince Charles’ sperm to prove her fertility before their engagement could be announced. After the embryos were confirmed as viable, the doctor was directed to destroy them but he implanted one in his wife and a daughter, Olivia Franklin, was born. Titled The Disappearance of Olivia, the novel opens the door to succession and her life is in danger. Sounds like a juicy read.

WEDDING BELLS RANG for Emily, daughter of Gary and Gale Landem, and Mike Brown, son of Kathy Brown, at Christ’s Church where Kathy and her parents were also married. Mike and his bride flew to London for their honeymoon and then to Singapore after their reception at Salvage One. Big Mama Kathy Brown of Lincolnwood Towers is famous for her summer party which attracts hundreds of old and new friends. This year it will be on July 21. Kathy recently visited Tokyo where she spent her junior year at Sophia University.

FIFTEENTH ANTIQUES FAIR PREVIEW party at the Merchandise Mart for the woman’s board of the Rehabilitation Institute is April 26 chaired by Lori Nerenberg and Mary Arnberg.

NO COLD AND SNOW for Jel Sert exec Joan Wegner and retired detective Jim Hogan, pictured visiting Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach. Joan was one of the first members of Donald Trump’s restored mansion and country club. Joan spends the winter months in Florida. Jim is a Regis Philbin look-alike and is often asked for his autograph.

HANG IN THERE, CUB FANS. Remember when actor George Clooney was at Wrigley Field a few years ago and spent an hour in the bleachers with fans? More than 5,000 turned out to see him on a red carpet that reached over an entire city block. Have faith. Spring and the ballgames are coming. But Clooney? Not likely.

SHAUN RAJAH, WHO MAKES THE DRAKE HOTEL’S Palm Court a special place, is off to visit his mother in Malaysia but returns Feb. 9. He’s excited about his first live show at Davenport’s, backed by The Shivers on March 16 at 8 p.m. For such a slim, trim star he has a majestic, magnificent voice.

HER BELOVED DOG BOBO is the inspiration behind Bobbi Panter’s new pet products line, Natural Dog Shampoo. It is salt-free, tear-free, non-drying, and comes in four varieties: Puppy Dog, Moisturizing Dog, Soothing Dog, Rejuvenating Dog. Lucky pets get the benefits of milk protein, jasmine, sunflower extract, wheat protein and chamomile to help sensitive skin and leave clean pets shiny, soft and smelling sweet. Bobo had a skin problem and so Bobbi launched her products in 2003.

ISTANBUL IS THE SITE SEPT. 18-21 of the English-Speaking Union world members conference open to all. Every four years there is a global reunion to celebrate understanding and friendship through our common English language. Dr. Riza Kadilar is host in Turkey.

THERE IS ALSO a “Chasing Churchill” cruise in Crimea and the Black Sea with Celia Sandys and Lord Watson of Richmond Sept. 6 to 8.

TICKETS ARE $500 for the April 28 UNICEF Message of Hope gala at the Union League Club.

DEDICATED TO THE RESTORATION OF SIGHT, the Illinois Eye-Bank holds a benefit each year and honors outstanding people of vision. Supporters of the bank include Mary Ann Rose, Heinz Kern, Gregory Hyder, Maria Zec, Sheryl Dyer, the Marshall Weinbergs, Joni Arredia, Thomas Hackett, Tiffani Kim, Dr. Claire Kenneally, Don Kiobassa, Britt Szepsy, Tom Kehoe, Vonita Reescer, John Regas, Dr. Stacie McClane, Quintin Schumacker, Brooke Skinner, Amy Wimer, Toni Canada, Mary Pat Burns, Wayne Harth, Dr. Randy Epstein, Dr. David Donnersberger, Yvette Cusack, David Brandt.

EVERYBODY’S FAVORITE GOOD WIFE, actress Julianna Margulies, star of the hit TV show, will be honored March 12 at the Women in the Arts benefit luncheon sponsored by Steppenwolf Theatre at the Cultural Center. Martha Lavey will interview Julianna about her career and role in the CBS drama set in Chicago.

“AFTER THE HOLOCAUST, THERE WILL STILL BE COCKROACHES AND CHER.” —CHER

CONTACT: annbgerber@gmail.com or 847-677-2232