when i was assisting in a kindergarten classroom, back when i was prepping for a master's degree in education, i became the makeup police. i was so known for confiscating lipstick and eyeshadows from five-year-olds that they would literally apologize when they had to use chapstick. i was fine with that. more than fine with that. no girl in kindergarten should sneak into the class bathroom (complete with tiny lowered mirrors) to apply mascara at snack time. it's insane. it's sad.
i'll acknowledge that i'm coming from the complete opposite of the glamour spectrum, having been raised by a mother who only wore makeup to parties (if at all) and never insisted i needed anything else to be amazing. also: i got my first manicure at 18, when my shameful secret about my virgin nails was discovered by a horrified new college friend, i did my own nails for my wedding, and i don't get people with good skin wearing foundation.
that being said: being a kid is awesome. i desperately miss running around outside like a hellion and not giving two shits what my hair looked like. therefore, i still hold very firmly to my belief that children should be protected from feeling that they need something outside themselves to be accepted. kids have their teenage years to feel like they'll never be good enough - they should at least be carefree when they are legitimately children.
i've gone with kids to get manicures and have no problem with occasional silly pampering. however, instilling in your children when they are practically infants that their appearance is the most important thing about them is pretty disturbing. i've got my fair share of self-esteem issues (thanks, acne!), but i've tried to prevent them in the children i've taught, not perpetuate them.
i can't wait to be the BEST PARENT EVER. haha.
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