Young Girls And Makeup: Too Cute or Too Grown?
At what age would you allow your daughter to wear makeup? For most moms, this question can be a source of conflict between them and their adolescent daughters. An argument can be made that young girls wearing makeup may attract the attention of boys and indicate that these girls are trying to be too grown up. While I understand these fears and concerns, I have a different take on this issue. To me, wearing makeup at a young age is not necessarily taboo. Makeup, like clothes and hair, is a way for girls to be creative and express themselves. They should remember to be tasteful and know where and when to display their creative looks. Moms and daughters should discuss the parameters and come to an agreement.
Moms, ask yourselves, “Why shouldn’t my daughter feel good about the way she looks?” If makeup helps your daughter feel confident and pretty, what’s the harm? Anything that raises a young girl’s self-esteem is a good thing. As a mom, I have instilled certain values in my daughter, so wearing or not wearing makeup will not change her outlook. We have open communication, and I am involved in her life. So if you have a close relationship with your tween/teen daughter and have set boundaries, including no dating, drugs, drinking, smoking, or premarital sex, then makeup should not be a concern. Moms, know your daughters and pick your battles, so you can avoid the pointless shouting matches.
Recently five year old Suri Cruise was seen “parading” around Manhattan on Fashion Friday wearing red lipstick. Some question her parents’ liberal attitude, but I say, “Who cares?!” Teach your daughter the right values and makeup will not be a concern. And which mom hasn’t indulged her young daughter by allowing her to wear mommy’s lipstick? Critics, give it a rest!
You know, I might have said that it is inappropriate for young girls to wear makeup, but you make a good point. If you’re teaching your daughter good values and the right way to live, what’s the harm? It’s the girls who have no role models, who behave in ways dangerous to their safety and health that make us shy away from letting our children do things that might otherwise be harmless. Interesting post.
Thanks Laura! I’m glad that you recognize that the key to good parenting is being a good role model, not setting artificial boundaries like rules regarding makeup and hair.
There’s a big difference between tarting your kid up ala Toddlers and Tiaras and letting your child wear some lipstick now and then. I saw those pictures of Suri Cruise and although I don’t think lipstick is necessary on a girl that age, she wasn’t all tarted up with blush and eye makeup and looking age inappropriate — she probably just wanted some lipstick like mommy. Kind of like letting a little girl paint her nails now and then. Big deal. Attitudes toward makeup can be very culturally dependent. I think if mothers and daughers have good communication about it and don’t let it turn into some kind of battleground, it will sort itself out. There are bigger battles to fight.
I agree; Suri looked age appropriate and did not cross the line. And yes, the tart look that we see on Toddlers & Tiaras is not cute. It should be unlawful to sexualize young girls ala Toddlers & Tiaras.