Last week, when I was getting my haircut, I took the time to browse through the beauty magazines of the month. I don’t usually read mags unless I’m at the hairdressers, where I have lots of time to catch up 🙂 Anyway, while browsing, I saw an article about mother-daughter bonding sessions with beauty treatments. I was all prepared to flip away until I noticed that the daughters in question were under 10.
The article is in Her World magazine (can’t remember if its the Sept/Oct edition) so you can read it in its entirety if you like. (found the link to the online version here)
I was curious what you think about beauty pampering for kids. The article had references to a facial session, mani-pedi session and a spa. If you have little girls, I would be even more interested to know what you think.
I don’t have kids, much less daughters so I probably am not the best person to offer a view.
However, I did feel a bit perturbed. I understand little girls wanting to play with nail polish like their mothers. If the nail polish is child friendly and washes out easily with water (it exists) then I don’t think there’s a problem with that as a fun rainy day activity. At 9 years old, I think a child friendly nail polish is good fun for both mother and daughter. I’m not quite sure about putting them into a full mani-pedi session, especially one that involves the whole cutting of cuticles and stuff. I had one recently and I think it spoils my nails. I wouldn’t mind playing at nail polishes, with my daughter but I’d balk at spending 2 hours in a nail salon.
I am however, not for a child undergoing a facial. Children have delicate skins that are at their prime. Few of us will see the skin we had as a child. When I was a kid, I had poreless peaches and cream complexion. I’m not just saying it, it was a fact. It all deteriorated when I grew up (damn puberty!) So, I’m not for allowing a kid of 5 years to undergo a facial because I go for facials and it really is too much for children’s skin.
Above all, I think whilst playing at beauty can be fun, beauty pampering is a whole different thing altogether. I’m not saying anyone was wrong. I just don’t think little kids should be overly exposed to the beauty world. There’s lots of time for that when they grow up.
Just my 2 cents, which probably isn’t worth too much these days 🙂
What do you think? When is it too early to introduce little girls to beauty pampering sessions?
Beauty pampering would include facials, spas, manicures and pedicures and horrors! waxing (there was a big furore over a mother of a kiddy beauty pageat in the USA, who waxed and botoxed her little girl, but that is really taking things far to the extreme.) Mothers’ thoughts are very welcome!
Paris B
I read about mothers taking their daughters to tanning salons here in the UK as a TREAT. I find that really sick!
Ooh ok, tanning is so bad for the skin especially for young skin! 🙁 🙁
I had acne when I was about 12 and I sort of wished my mom or someone could have helped me out with proper skincare products or a doctor’s consultation to deal with the problem. It could have helped made my teenage years a lot easier since my acne really brought my self-esteem down and I get comments from classmates about why my face is terrible. Seriously, kids can be cruel but we never really have control of our actions at that age. I missed out on a lot of school events and competitions just because I was very self-conscious of my acne. I rather just be the quiet, studious girl and avoided any chance to be in the limelight. I regret having so much missed opportunities from back then.
My mom only took me out for a facial when I was about 17 or so but that didn’t solve anything. Other than that, its just comments like “don’t pick on your pimples” (which was difficult) and “eat more fruits and vegetables”. I am pretty much self-taught with my skincare routine and I am still struggling at age 27 now. I have mild acne now and I’m somewhat satisfied with my current skin. I still have acne scars from my teenage years though.
I do think that beauty pampering sessions can be introduced at a young age, say after their primary school years? But I’m not suggesting manicures or facials. I think proper hygiene, basic cleansing and putting on sunscreen is a good start.
I had bad acne later, in college. It was horrible because that’s when you are only really starting to grow up and wanting to be a bit more vain. I didn’t know and neither did my mom, about the various options available to us either. I sometimes think its different back in the day, especially when you come from a smaller town. Its hard to have access to services and knowledge, unlike today when we have the internet.
I am all for teaching children the benefits of taking care of their skin and getting treatments for things like acne or eczema. As for other forms of beauty pampering like facials or spas, they can enjoy all that when they get older 🙂
In korea this is very normal. Their mother train their children to take care their skin at the very young age. I think that why korean people have beautiful skin.
I feel its wrong to criticise the parents for the attention they put in their child. If you have paid more attention to the article, you would have notice that the treatments are specially designed for children. Using only organic materials. Did you research on the treatment or the spa they go to? In what sense that allows you to say it is harmful?
May as well you say shampoo is harmful for children, tooth paste is harmful.
Like your post, it is as baseless as your accusation.
By the way, i am the father of the children you wrote about.
Hello Larry, my apologies for upsetting you. I would however clarify a few points.
– I’m all for parents paying attention to their children and teaching them about skincare and personal hygiene, in particular about proper skin protection from the sun. What I disagree with is where it is done and in that regard, I hope we can agree to disagree.
– Organic or natural skincare does not mean it does not contain chemicals or that it is guaranteed to be safe. It means the ingredients are derived from natural sources, which can be as harmful or as safe as our skin can handle, and sometimes these ingredients can even be stronger than “chemical” products. I personally have negative reactions to some natural and organic skincare ingredients that necessitated a visit to the dermatologist and so have some friends; and dermatologists I’ve spoken to also caution against some ingredients which may be natural in origin but which can be abrasive to our skin. I have not been to the spa in the article but I have been to the facial salon featured but I went as an adult. That they have services and treatments for young children troubles me more than you realise.
Thank you for your input and my apologies again.
I am pretty aghast at the thought of beauty pampering for young children. They have small bodies and I don’t think they should be exposed to potential reactions to products used, potential infections, or having strangers manipulate their bodies. Yikes! I also think it can send a wrong message, that they should have these treatments done so they can be beautiful. Conditions like acne warrant medical attention but basic good looks come from healthy food, exercise, adequate sleep, daily hygiene, and a happy smile. Call me old fashioned but I think children should enjoy their time as children and not as mini adults.
It would appear, Kay that the parents don’t agree (but I do) 😉